Scored 9/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Fair Wage Bill
South Carolina helps small businesses pay workers a fair wage
Small Business Livable Wage Tax Credit Act
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would give money back to small businesses in South Carolina if they pay their workers a fair, living wage, helping workers earn more.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
This bill is good for regular people because it would help them earn more money. It would give a special tax break to small businesses that choose to pay their workers a 'livable wage,' which is enough money to cover basic needs. This means more money in workers' pockets without making it a rule that businesses must pay more. Businesses would get help for up to four years to adjust to paying higher wages. Some might say this costs the state money that could be used elsewhere, but supporters believe it helps workers and the economy, making people less reliant on public help. Since this bill is just starting, now is the time to tell your lawmakers if you think helping businesses pay better wages is a good idea for South Carolina.
Take action
Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.
0 of 100 in‑district signatures
Step 1 · Pick your position
Step 2 · Add your name
Sign in to oppose this billPicking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.
The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- This bill would create a tax credit for small businesses in South Carolina.
- To get the credit, a business must have fewer than 50 employees.
- Businesses would need to pay all their regular workers at or above a 'livable wage,' which is set by the MIT Living Wage Calculator for their county.
- The tax credit would start at 100% of the extra cost to pay higher wages, then go down over four years.
- Businesses must keep the same number of employees or hire more to get the credit.
- This program is voluntary, meaning businesses choose to take part.
- The tax credit program would end on December 31, 2035.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the South Carolina Bill Book 2026
The best and worst South Carolina bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
Get the free PDF →