NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer said Gov. Henry McMaster’s final State of the State address underscored several issues critical to South Carolina’s small business community, including tax relief, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and the need for continued judicial and court reform.

“Throughout his term, Governor McMaster has shown that he understands South Carolina’s economic strength depends on maintaining an environment that supports its small businesses,” Homeyer said. “He recognizes that small business owners want a stable, predictable environment where they can grow, hire, and invest without being buried by costs or legal uncertainty.”

In his prepared remarks, Governor McMaster reaffirmed his commitment to reducing taxes, including further cuts to the personal income tax and a willingness to eliminate it entirely if the General Assembly can make it work.

“Reducing the state income tax matters to small businesses because many of them file as pass-through entities and pay taxes at the individual rate,” Homeyer said. “Every dollar small business owners keep is a dollar they can reinvest in their employees, their equipment, or their communities.”

The address also highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment to keep pace with population growth and economic expansion. The governor called for additional funding to keep major road and bridge projects on schedule amid rising construction costs.“Infrastructure is a necessity for small businesses,” Homeyer said. “Reliable roads, utilities, and access to power directly affect whether small businesses can operate efficiently and serve their customers.”

Governor McMaster also outlined proposals to reform the state’s court system, including changes to judicial selection and improvements to the magistrate court system. NFIB members have long identified lawsuit abuse and inconsistent court practices as concerns that raise costs and create uncertainty for small employers.

“Small business owners cannot afford a system that encourages lawsuit abuse or lacks consistency,” Homeyer said. “Efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the courts are worth serious consideration.”Workforce development and education were also central themes of the address, with continued investments in technical colleges, job training, and efforts to better align education programs with employer needs.

“Small businesses across South Carolina continue to struggle to find qualified workers,” Homeyer said. “Programs that expand skills training and improve access to education help address one of the biggest challenges facing Main Street employers.”

Homeyer said NFIB members look forward to working with legislators this session to advance policies that ensure South Carolina remains a place where small businesses can own, operate, and grow their businesses.