Progress on Taxes, Energy and Education
SC Rep Cody Mitchell, Dist. 65
By Rep. Cody T. Mitchell
SC House District 65
With just one week left in this year’s legislative session, we’re moving quickly to advance key priorities before the House adjourns Sine Die next Thursday. This past week, I worked alongside my House Republican Caucus colleagues to take meaningful steps forward on major issues — including income tax reform, expanding education opportunities, and securing South Carolina’s energy future.
These efforts reflect the promises we made at the start of the session — to cut taxes, strengthen our economy, support our schools, and invest in the infrastructure and systems that keep South Carolina strong. As we enter the final stretch, I’ll focus on delivering real, conservative results for South Carolina.
A Bold Conservative Vision for Tax Reform
The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a historic income tax reform plan this week, and I’m proud to support it. South Carolina’s 6.2% income tax rate is the highest in the Southeast. The new proposal, H.4216, takes a bold step forward by cutting that rate to 5.39%, immediately giving families, small businesses, and workers more room to grow and succeed. Importantly, this plan doesn’t shift the burden to other taxes. It’s real relief achieved by cutting spending and returning over $400 million to hardworking taxpayers in year one.
But this isn’t just about short-term relief. The plan sets South Carolina on a responsible path toward a flat 1.99% rate and eventually eliminates the income tax. It also ends our dependence on Washington’s liberal tax mandates by decoupling our code from federal policy, restoring control to South Carolina taxpayers. This tax reform is the kind of smart, sustainable reform I promised to fight for, and I’ll be voting to move this legislation forward on the House floor.
Securing South Carolina’s Energy Future
As our economy continues to grow, so must our energy infrastructure. I supported H.3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which returned to the Senate this week after receiving House amendments. This legislation lays the foundation for a more reliable, affordable, and independent energy system. It reforms the Public Service Commission to increase transparency and oversight of utility companies. It encourages long-term investment in energy generation, including nuclear and renewables, to meet the demands of our booming economy and growing population. I anticipate the Senate will get this bill across the finish line before we adjourn Sine Die next week, and I expect Governor McMaster to sign it into law shortly after. A secure, modern energy grid is essential to South Carolina’s future, and I’m committed to seeing this through.
Expanding Education Opportunity for SC Families
One of my top priorities this session, and a core pillar of our Caucus agenda, has been expanding educational opportunities and giving parents more control over their children’s future. This week, I was proud to support S.62, a major school choice bill that the House sent to the Governor’s desk. This bill enhances South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program, allowing up to 15,000 K-12 students to receive $7,500 scholarships next year for private school tuition, tutoring, transportation, or other approved education services. Over time, eligibility will expand to cover families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level — opening doors for middle- and working-class families across our state.
This legislation is about giving every child a chance to succeed — no matter their ZIP code or income level. I promised to fight for more options and better outcomes for South Carolina families, and I believe this bill delivers on that promise.
Staying Informed:
As the session progresses, I will continue to share updates like this one to keep you informed. These weekly newsletters provide insight into legislative priorities, progress, and key developments. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable to me and helps ensure that I am effectively representing your needs.
Cody T. Mitchell
SC House Dist. 65
