February 2022 Advocacy Updates
– Doing Business Update: South Carolina businesses have historically been subject to business license taxes on their gross income that vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The South Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act (the “Act”) was enacted in 2020, but the effective date was generally delayed until January 1, 2022. The Act should greatly simplify the previous complex and burdensome state business license tax regime. The new license period is May 1 to April 30. This license period is now mandated by state law. (via Municipal Assn of SC and Burr & Forman LLC)
– Red Tape Alert: Many cities initiated programs to expand outdoor dining and retail space during the pandemic, including City of Charleston, but the city’s piloted ‘parklet’ program has ended, despite positive feedback from the participating businesses. Read more here from Charleston City Paper.
– Real Estate & Redevelopment: The City of Goose Creek is reimagining the Red Bank Road corridor for “more opportunities for entrepreneurialism, more gathering opportunities, more retail shops and more restaurants” with a focus on local businesses. Read more here from the Post and Courier.
– This May Help Your Business: Employee Retention Tax Credit info. Read more (and watch helpful webinar recording) here, provided by the SC Small Business Chamber.
– Leveling the Playing Field: We are joined by local business organizations across the country in the Small Business Rising coalition to level the playing field for small businesses on Big Tech platforms like Amazon. This month, the Senate Judiciary Committee issued a bipartisan vote to advance the The American Innovation and Choice Online Act. Read more here from CNBC.
– Let’s Bring This Here: In 2015, San Francisco voters approved the creation of the Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund, which provides grants to both Legacy Business owners and property owners who agree to lease extensions with Legacy Business tenants. It was the first legislation in the nation to recognize notable small businesses as historic assets and incentivize their preservation.
– Transformative Projects: There are several regional transportation projects in conceptual, public feedback, or planning phases, including: 1) Lowcountry Rapid Transit (a planned dedicated bus lane rapid transit system connecting Summerville, North Charleston, and downtown Charleston); 2) Interstate 526 Extension (which would extend 526 from West Ashley through James and Johns Islands and recently completed the public feedback period); and 3) the Lowcountry Lowline (a vision to reclaim 1.7 miles of abandoned railway track and neglected highway corridor along the backbone of the Charleston peninsula).
– Good Food News: On Jan 19, The House Judiciary Committee, Antitrust Subcommittee held a hearing on “Addressing the Effects of Economic Concentration on America’s Food Supply.” In testimony submitted by National Farmers Union, President Rob Larew documented the extreme corporate concentration in America’s farm and food system and discussed steps that must be taken to ensure a more resilient food supply for consumers and a competitive marketplace for family farmers and ranchers. Read the full testimony here.
For questions or more info, please contact our Director of Operations, Lauren Gellatly.