Representative Cal Forrest, District 39 Legislative Update
Week 9 Legislative Update
March 16th, 2026
LOWER TAXES, STRONGER SCHOOLS, & SAFER COMMUNITIES.
Last week at the State House, House Republicans delivered major results for the people of South Carolina. After several long days on the House floor, we passed significant legislation focused on one simple goal: making South Carolina more affordable for the families who live and work here. From lowering taxes to investing in our state’s future, we advanced commonsense policies that help hardworking South Carolinians keep more of their hard-earned money while strengthening our communities.
3 BIG WINS IN THE SC HOUSE
- A Responsible State Budget that invests in South Carolina’s future while putting money back into taxpayers’ pockets.
- A Historic Income Tax Cut that immediately lowers the income tax and puts South Carolina on a responsible path to eliminating the income tax altogether.
- Tax Conformity with President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, ensuring South Carolina families and workers benefit from these pro-taxpayer policies.
A Responsible State Budget
The House passed a responsible, balanced State Budget that focuses on the core responsibilities of government while returning money to taxpayers. This plan includes more than $1 billion in tax relief while continuing to invest in the critical priorities that support South Carolina, including infrastructure, education, workforce development, and public safety.
This budget reflects a commonsense conservative approach: spending responsibly, investing where it matters, and keeping South Carolina moving forward without raising taxes. Here is a breakdown of the budget below!
A Historic Income Tax Cut
The House also passed H.4216, delivering one of the most significant income tax reductions in state history.
For years, South Carolina had one of the highest income tax rates in the Southeast. This reform begins correcting that by moving our state toward a simpler, more competitive tax system that encourages job creation, strengthens our economy, and helps families keep more of their hard-earned money.
Tax Conformity with the One Big Beautiful Bill
The House also passed H.3368 to ensure South Carolina taxpayers can fully benefit from several pro-worker tax provisions included in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
By updating South Carolina’s tax code, we are ensuring that hardworking families, workers, and small businesses can take advantage of policies that allow them to keep more of the money they earn.
This is about putting American workers first right here in South Carolina and making sure our state remains competitive for jobs, investment, and economic growth.
The Bottom Line
Last week’s work in the House represents a major step forward for South Carolina families. House Republicans delivered responsible budgeting, historic tax relief, and pro-worker policies that help people keep more of their hard-earned money.
By keeping government focused on its core responsibilities while lowering taxes and investing wisely, we are continuing to build a stronger and more affordable South Carolina.
I’m available and at your service!
It is my honor to be of service to you. If you need assistance navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, or give me a call at 803-349-6741.
Sincerely,
Cal Forrest
District 39
South Carolina General Assembly
803-349-6741
