Reforming the Tax Code
South Carolina requires an equitable tax structure for all South Carolinians.
We cannot continue to raise the tax burden on South Carolina families.
We must allow families to keep more of what they earn.
In order to legitimize government, the taxing system must be fair to all taxpayers, not just the select few.
Kirkman believes that overall tax reform would result in lower and broader taxes for all citizens.
Reforming the tax code should not mean increasing government funding; the end result of the reform must be budget neutral.
"Kirkman has a proven track record as a fiscally-responsible leader and has provided responsive representation to his constituents in the City of Columbia.
He will offer a common sense approach to the state budget process, which our current leader ship at the State House is sorely lacking."
- Joe E Taylor, Jr.
Education
Every child in our state deserves a quality education, but South Carolina falls in the bottom fifty percent of states in our high school drop-out rates(1) and in the bottom fifteen states in terms of graduation percentages(2).
To move our state forward, South Carolina must find ways to improve outcomes for all students.
Kirkman believes that we need to refocus the way we spend education tax dollars, and turn our attention on the classrooms, teachers and students.
*Data sources: nces.ed.gov(1) and yahoo.com(2).
Economic Development
We must give businesses the opportunity to grow by adopting policies that will have long-term, positive effects on our economy.
South Carolina should offer prospective businesses low, but fair, regulatory taxes, and we must do a good job promoting our exceptional job force and resources.
Kirkman wants to eliminate red tape that stifles growth and holds back business by getting government out of the way at every level.
Ideally, government should serve our citizens and businesses, not put up road blocks or cause businesses to needlessly spend money.
"Kirkman is above-board in his business dealings, and I know that he will carry that ethic to the State House in his representation of Richland County."
- Jimmy Stevenson
