South Carolina Governor Prioritizes State Business Over Citizen Welfare, Critics Say
The Business-First Approach
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has recently been criticized for prioritizing the state’s business interests over the welfare of the people. His recent remarks about fighting labor unions in his state ‘ to the gates of hell’ have raised concerns about his anti-union stance. Observers have pointed out that McMaster’s mantra of ‘the business of South Carolina is business’ has often taken precedence over critical issues such as health and poverty. Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic on the populace, Gov. McMaster’s commitment to business growth has remained unwavering, critics say.
Rejection of Welfare Programs
Notably, McMaster has turned down Medicaid expansion for his state’s most vulnerable citizens and has denied acceptance of the 2024 Summer EBT program, a federal initiative offering food assistance to thousands of children during the summer period. These moves have been criticized for reflecting a ‘let-them-eat-cake’ mentality and displaying an indifference to the struggles of the most marginalized members of society.
Misuse of Surplus Revenue
Such views are further compounded by the governor’s recent State of the State address, where he proudly stated that South Carolina’s flourishing economy generated a record budget surplus – over $1.64 billion in unanticipated revenue. Critics argue this provides the means to address neglected social issues adequately. However, they point out that Governor McMaster has instead chosen to spurn programs providing essential health care and food for many in need.
Remembering The People Over Profit
These critics argue that, far from being an antagonist, unions can provide better wages, working conditions, and living standards for their members. In turn, they say, this contributes to overall economic growth, creating a more vibrant and balanced economy better placed to weather future crises of any kind.
Republican Presidential Candidate Criticized
Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley was also criticized for policies which were seen to neglect needy sections of society, in a debate on Republican presidential candidates. Her critics pointed out that while serving as the governor, she refused to expand Medicaid – an important provision for those in need of healthcare. They also question her stance on abortion and express concerns about her perceived indifference to alleged charges of rape against Trump and the evident racism in the country.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
