Palmetto State News

South Carolina collected $25 million in property tax revenues, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

Gov. Henry McMaster Appoints Retired Judge Dennis Shedd as Chairman of State Election Commission

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has announced the appointment of retired federal appellate judge Dennis W. Shedd of Irmo as the chairman of the South Carolina State Election Commission. The appointment comes following the resignation of former chairman John Wells of Lugoff, who served for five years.In a statement, Governor McMaster emphasized the importance of election integrity, stating, "Maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of our elections is of the utmost importance." He expressed confidence in Judge Shedd's abilities, highlighting, "As one...

Sen. Scott, GOP Colleagues Celebrate Women’s History Month

WASHINGTON — In honor of Women’s History Month, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his Republican colleagues reflected on the significance of the month and the impact of influential women in their lives and society."There’s no doubt that the most powerful forces for good in my life growing up were my grandmother and then my mother," said Senator Scott, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in shaping his life."One of the best ways to encourage young women to be believers in themselves is to let them know that they determine how they’re going to approach problems,"...

Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Spartanburg man sentenced for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor

Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that a Spartanburg man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a child. On March 25, 2024, Agustin Vargas, 51, of Spartanburg pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the Second Degree. The Honorable Judge R. Keith Kelly sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Vargas admitted to sexually abusing a six-year-old girl.The case was investigated by Investigator Robert “Ben” Johnson with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Attorney General Megan Raymer prosecuted the case. A special thank...

South Carolina’s sales and gross receipts tax revenue up 84% in Q4 compared to previous quarter

South Carolina collected $2 billion in sales and gross receipts taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

Sen. Scott Calls on White House to Enforce the Law at the Border

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have come forward with a resolution denouncing the Biden administration's open border policies, citing concerns over the significant influx of illegal immigrants. Senator Tim Scott emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws, stating, “We cannot have a secure border and a safe America with a president who refuses to enforce the laws on the books.”Senator Rick Scott expressed strong criticism towards President Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, blaming them for...

Lindsey Graham Mourns the Passing of Joe Lieberman

Washington – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) expressed his sorrow today following the news of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman's passing. Graham, a longtime friend of Lieberman, shared heartfelt words in remembrance of the late senator from Connecticut."Just heard of my dear friend Joe Lieberman’s passing," Graham expressed, as he reflected on the news while leaving Israel. He added, "As I am just now leaving Israel, so many emotions. This is devastatingly sad."Graham highlighted the privilege he felt in having had the opportunity to travel the world...

Greenville Man Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* Charges

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of John Joseph Varn, 32, of Greenville, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation. Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to...

South Carolina’s sales and gross receipts tax revenue up 65.7% in Q4 compared to same quarter of the previous year

South Carolina collected $2 billion in sales and gross receipts taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

AESC grows Florence County operations with second expansion in 4 months

AESC CEO, Shoichi Matsumoto, expressed the company's commitment to creating high-value jobs in South Carolina through the latest expansion, stating, "South Carolina is a crucial part of our strategy to power next generation electric vehicles for customers across the U.S. by manufacturing high-performance, longer-range EV batteries locally." The $1.5 billion investment will result in the creation of 1,080 new jobs, adding to the total investment of $3.12 billion and supporting 2,700 new jobs across the local community.Governor Henry McMaster hailed AESC's second expansion...

Gov. Henry McMaster to Hold Ceremonial Bill Signing

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster is set to hold a ceremonial bill signing event tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27, at 10:00 AM. The event will take place at JD Lever Elementary in Aiken, S.C. Governor McMaster will be joined by S.C. Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, members of the General Assembly, teachers, and students.The ceremony will mark the signing of S. 418, Read to Succeed. The event aims to highlight the importance of the bill and its impact on education in South Carolina.In attendance will be Governor McMaster, Superintendent Weaver, members of...

Attorney General Alan Wilson Urges Renewed Focus on Bond Provisions

Attorney General Alan Wilson of South Carolina has called for a renewed attention to the state's bond provisions, emphasizing the importance of enforcing laws that protect South Carolinians. Wilson highlighted the need for judicial consideration of a defendant's immigration status and previous bond history when determining bond.In a letter addressed to South Carolina solicitors, Wilson expressed his concerns about the current border situation, stating, "It’s clear the Biden Administration isn’t going to close the border, so it’s up to the states to deal with the...

Sen. Scott Speaks at Inauguration of Charleston Southern President

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) delivered the “charge to the president” at the inauguration of the new Charleston Southern University President Dr. Keith Faulkner. Senator Scott, a proud graduate of Charleston Southern University, encouraged President Faulkner to lead the university with a hunger for knowledge and thirst for Christ.In his remarks, Senator Scott expressed his gratitude for President Faulkner's vision, stating, "I am so thankful that as I’ve heard testimony after testimony—from the students who have interacted with you, to your friends who have...

SBA Approves Gov. Henry McMaster's Request for Disaster Assistance