John Steinberger of SC Fair Tax gave a brief presentation to Council, discussing the benefits of the Fair Tax program in South Carolina. Among its many positive points, said Steinberger, the Fair Tax provides immediate financial incentive for existing businesses to expand, and out-of-state businesses to relocate to South Carolina. It also encourages consumer spending by boosting take-home pay by 7%, eliminates state sales tax on businesses for business-related purchases in state, treats all industries the same by creating a level playing field, and incentivizes entrepreneurs and wealthy retirees to move to the state while boosting job creation and home sales.
“Everybody knows how bad things are with 11% unemployment in the state, and it’s likely taxes will go up January 1 and we all know businesses that have been shut down, so the best thing we can do for the economy is vote for the SC Fair Tax,” said Steinberger. “Right now, sales tax actually exempts more than it collects. If we say everything is 6%, people keep 7% more of their pay, and if we allow consumers to keep that money, they can put that money back into local businesses.”
Steinberger also recommended the book Rich States, Poor States by former Reagan economist Art Laffer and Wall Street Journal’s Stephen Moore. “1100 people a day are leaving high tax states and moving to no state income tax states,” said Steinberger. “To make this happen, just need to impress upon state legislature that we need this to happen, they need to act now.”
Council asked about how the prebate worked, and Steinberger explained that it would simply be a matter of filling out forms once a year to receive the prebate. The amount received back varies according to the number of people in the household and how many of them are children, but for an average family of four, the prebate would cover the sales tax on goods purchased for up to $2400 in spending per month, which comes to about $150. When asked who was eligible for the prebate, Steinberger replied that, “Everyone gets it. You pay tax at the register, but your account is credited with that amount and you receive automatic payment every month.” However, he noted that services will be taxed and the prebate would not apply to those transactions. Used goods, education items and business-to-business transactions would not be taxed at all.
“Why would anyone in South Carolina not be for this?” asked Legare. “I’ve never gotten a good answer from anyone,” smiled Steinberger.
For more information, visit SCFairTax.org or email info@SCFairTax.org.
Treasurer’s report
Council member Sam Brownlee reported that the balance for the Council stands at $561.34, with no expenses for the past month.
CHATS
Council member Brownlee also reported on the recent CHATS committee meeting, noting that the Sea Island Parkway has somehow found its way onto the Long Range Transportation Plan for the County. “How it got there, I don’ t know,” said Brownlee, “but I’m going to find out.” He did note, however, that it is listed as project number 45 out of 50.
Chairman’s report
Chairman Chris Cannon read through a few items from both County and City, noting that there was a request to the City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals to remove eight protected trees, not grand trees, at 1758 Main Road. While he wasn’t sure of the results of the meeting, Cannon noted that lately, he has been very pleased with Eric Shultz and his department in the protection of trees.
Cannon also noted that a request to rezone 2835 Bohicket Road from AG-8 to AG-R, which would increase the property density from one unit per eight acres to one unit an acre, was withdrawn and will possibly be resubmitted as a PUD.
Lastly, Cannon stated that the request for the placement of a manufactured housing unit in the Single Family Residential 4 (R-4) Zoning District at 2777 Abundant Road was approved with conditions.
Before closing the meeting, Council member Brownlee stated that he would have an interesting report for the next council meeting involving the results of a speed strip placed on Bohicket Road during the month of October. “We have one car clocked at 100 mph,” said Brownlee, noting that the speeds were not recorded unless they were going 61 mph or more.
The next Johns Island Council meeting will be held on December 7 , 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Electric Co-Op building, located at 3351 Maybank Highway.
