21 Feb This is NOT Reform- It’s Special Interest Intrusion
No matter which way you look at it, the business license proposal is not reform. If the General Assembly wanted to truly reform business license law they would leave it to those who know how to do it and not create a new bureaucracy costing taxpayers mopey. If they were serious about helping small businesses, they would have the courage to revise Act 388 which put a huge burden on small businesses and owners of rental properties and second homes. If they really want to help local governments stretch our resources, they would fulfill their commitment to fully fund the local government fund which is local taxes collected by Columbia of which only about 70% do not get back to you but are diverted to pay state costs. The so called “reform” it is a means through which State Government gains Controls over Local Government and creates a new vehicle for special interests to get even more exemptions.
Take a brief look around the state at what local governments are saying.
The City of Beaufort and the Towns of Port Royal, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton say NO and urge you to write your State Representatives and Senators before this measure moves too far along.