The Palmetto Scoop

South Carolina Business One-Stop, or SCBOS, has changed the way we conduct business in our state. This online system streamlines access to government information, saves time, and removes bureaucracy – making government more use-friendly and convenient. I am particularly proud of this project not only for its innovation, but for the collaborative effort [...]

During the past week, I have seen up close just what happens when Hollywood comes to town. Being booted out of my office for a week seems a small price to pay for allowing a major motion picture to be filmed in our state. The benefits to South Carolina far outweigh any slight inconvenience or [...]

WAIT, IS IT REALLY A FEW DAYS LATE? YOU DON’T SAY…
I just wanted to make a note that the guest post that was supposed to be up Sunday has just been submitted to me and will run tomorrow.
It is quite timely — which is why it had to run tomorrow instead, thanks for the [...]

South Carolina’s public schools are in trouble. Ranked lowest in graduation rate and 49th in SAT scores, our public schools are not preparing our students for the challenges that lay ahead. In addition to growing achievement gaps between income and racial groups, researchers have found that some of our state’s “best” public schools are actually [...]

Serving as South Carolina’s primary advocate for seniors is a truly rewarding opportunity and I am pleased with The Palmetto Scoop’s invitation to be today’s Sunday Guest Post contributor.
In the few years that I have had the pleasure of leading the good folks at the Office on Aging, we have made great strides in laying [...]

In rapid succession, two recent op-eds have been published by Governor Mark Sanford’s apologists with me as their target. The first by Ashley Landess (“Our S.C. ports must remain competitive,” March 5, 2008) was simply misinformed.
Ms. Landess would be wise to do a fact-check on information the governor’s office provides her before firing off [...]

A little housekeeping:
I know that we haven’t had a Sunday Guest Post in a couple weeks, so I’m glad to say that I’ve locked down two big ones that will go up in the next three days. I apologize to those of you that came to look forward to guest commentary from influential South [...]

TWO POSTS TODAY? I WANT MY TPS, DAMMIT!
I admit it folks, I’ve been busy as hell lately and unfortunately, I have gone from about seven to 10 posts per day to a meager three or four. I appreciate y’all letting me know about that through the recent plethora of hate/love mail. All [...]

The President rolled out his budget nearly two weeks ago. $3 trillion dollars. That’s Trillion with a T. After 5 years I’m still astounded at the numbers we deal with in Congress. Although, truth be told – all things considered it’s a good budget. The President put forth a budget that addresses the immediate and [...]

First of all, I would like to thank the Palmetto Scoop for allowing me the opportunity to submit my very own “TPS” Report.
It is an honor to serve you as Speaker in the S.C. House. Bringing the political debate to the people and talking about the issues we work on at the State House [...]