SC House GOP Caucus targets tax, pension reform

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — House Republicans say they will focus this year on tax reform, shoring up the state pension system, and maintaining the state’s first-in-the-South status for presidential primaries.

GOP leaders who control the chamber say a bill will be introduced later this month that would eliminate most sales tax breaks, while lowering the overall state sales tax and reduce taxes on businesses.

They also want to put into law South Carolina’s unique primary status that brings the state money and national attention.

The House passed last year all of the caucus’ agenda items intended for 2011 and 2012.

Most of those await action in the Senate. Two items were passed into law but challenged by the federal government. Those are an illegal immigration crackdown and requiring certain photo identification to vote.