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Nikki Haley
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Tax and Fiscal
Grade: A-
An analysis of Haley’s tax and fiscal record shows a consistent and strong commitment to limited government principles surrounding spending and controlling government growth. As Governor, Haley was far more fiscally conservative than the South Carolina legislature and consistently vetoed the countless wasteful spending initiatives that they attempted to pass. Haley opposed most all special interest tax carveouts and subsidies, but did cave in a couple areas, mostly relating to renewable energy. Haley also blocked a number of attempts by lawmakers to increase local sales and property taxes, falling short in just a couple cases.
Position
Weight
Action
+2
H 5001 Artisans Center Veto 33 (2016)
Vetoed State Funding for an Artisans Center which should be Privately Funded.
+2
H 4717 Farm Bailout Veto (2016)
Vetoed a Measure which Forced Taxpayers to Provide $40 Million in Bailout Funds to Select Farmers which is on Top of Other State and Federal Assistance.
-1
H 3725 Historic Structure Tax Credit (2015)
Signed a Bill Expanding Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize the Rehabilitation Costs of Owners of “Historic” Buildings
+2
H 3701 Tourism Promotion Veto 1 (2015)
Vetoed Wasteful Tourism Promotion Funding within the State Budget
-1
H 3125 Microenterprise Development Act (2014)
Signed a Bill Expanding Cronyism by Awarding Taxpayer-Funded Grants to Government-Favored Startups.
+3
H. 5024 Denmark School District Tax Veto (2014)
Vetoed a Measure which Increased Property Taxes without a Voter Referendum in Order to Protect Taxpayers.
-2
S 964 Property Tax Millage (2014)
Signed a Bill Authorizing Localities to Raise Property Taxes for Mental Health Funding Instead of Reprioritizing Spending.
+3
Vetoed over $50 Million in Waste Hidden within the State Budget in Order to Protect Taxpayers.
+3
Vetoed a Measure to Allow Local Sales Taxes to Exceed One Cent in Order to Protect Taxpayers.
+3
S. 586 State health and Dental Plan (2011)
Vetoed a Measure to Expand the State Health Plan to Quasi-Public-Private Entities which Would have Imposed Additional Cost and Unfunded Liabilities on Taxpayers.
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Energy and Environment
Grade: B-
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Law and Scope of Government
Grade: A
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Workforce and Labor
Grade: B+
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Regulations
Grade: B+
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Individual Liberties
Grade: A-
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Education
Grade: A-
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Healthcare
Grade: A
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Local and National Security
Grade: A-
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Free Speech and Elections
Grade: A
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