A Record of Results
A record is a lot better than a political promise, and Mark has a remarkable record of getting things done. He particularly stood out in watching out for South Carolinian’s pocketbooks and wallets, which is vital in our efforts to afford hopes, dreams and even the basics of life. Below is just a small sampling of some of his results.
Mark is the only two term governor in the last 100 years to actually shrink the state government’s general fund in real terms.
Not one governorship, before or since, has been able to do this remarkable thing for the taxpayers of this state.
Mark’s team produced the first operational executive branch budget in South Carolina history.
It was premised on zero based budgeting wherein agencies have to actually justify their budgets rather than simply debate the addition to them. The benefit of this was shown in efficiencies and reforms that were instrumental in his administration holding the line on spending.
Mark’s administration cut the marginal income tax rate for working South Carolinians and passed the largest recurring tax cut in state history.
He was recognized by the Cato Institute as the most fiscally conservative governor in America.
Mark was ranked #1 in Congress by Citizens Against Government Waste.
The National Taxpayers Union rated him the same.
Despite the Legislature putting up a fight to get there, Mark closed the one billion dollar unconstitutional financial hole he inherited coming into the governor’s office.
He did it despite being the first governor in the United States to turn down President Obama’s stimulus funds.
As governor, Mark’s efforts made the state a more inviting place in which to invest, build a life or build a business.
Cumulatively they led to $24 billion in capital investment, at that time a historic first. We would invite you to dig into his record here where you will see a long list of accomplishments ranging from first of its kind charter school reform to workers comp, regulatory and business place reforms.
More than anything, Mark helped make government work for its citizens.
There are many examples, but for one, consider DMV reform. As a consequence of instituting business practices, they took wait times from 66 minutes to 15 minutes. He believes one of our government’s unseen taxes is the time it takes from people. Standing in line, or filling out unnecessary paperwork, is a tax on time. Conservative reforms during his years as governor ranged from sentencing reform, lifting the juvenile justice system from court order, or in efforts to modernize a uniquely fragmented state government—and forcing the debate about who’s actually in charge.