It's the fiercest aggressor in the industrial war among the states, offering stunning subsidies and favors to footloose corporations. In the process, it's hollowed out its tax base so deeply that its future has come into question. Baltimore Sun reporter Jay Hancock discovered the South Carolina plight in a year's investigation public industrial subsidies across the country. Last year alone 1,395 firms got state favors. The irony is that South Carolina, while adding jobs and population rapidly, has given away so much of its tax base it's having difficulty providing basic services.
Many public schools have leaky roofs and shabby facilities.
South Carolina has the country's lowest SAT scores. Infant morality is high. About four of every 10 homes are on septic instead of sewer systems. Crime rates are increasing. Traffic is overwhelming narrow local roads.