States Defend Tax Powers After Attacks by White House, Congress

South Carolina state Sen. Sean Bennett (R) is a self-described “federalist at heart,” who believes in low taxes, broad bases, and a light touch on exemptions. So he gets annoyed when he receives unsolicited advice from the federal government on state tax policy.

Bennett was particularly frustrated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blasting states that reject conformity to the changes enacted under President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending law, which would cost South Carolina an estimated $515 million in fiscal 2027 if it were to swallow them whole. Bennett predicted South Carolina, a “rolling conformity” state that automatically ...