Joe Wilson: “In 1986 a group of South Carolina civic leaders dedicated to improving their State joined together and created the South…”

“In 1986 a group of South Carolina civic leaders dedicated to improving their State joined together and created the South Carolina Policy Council. South Carolina at that time was dominated by a legislature which controlled an array of semi-autonomous boards and commissions that fostered red tape and hindered accountability. Through the visionary leadership of the late Thomas A. Roe, the Policy Council was formed to fill the void of reformist conservative philosophy. By publishing timely reports, comprehensive white papers, and hard-hitting editorials, the Policy Council grew in stature and membership. In the beginning of the Republican Revolution, Ed McMullen was chosen as its president. The Policy Council has played a role in every major reform debate. From modernizing State government, to promoting performance audits, to reforming welfare, to cutting taxes, the Policy Council was there. It was further energized by dedicated researcher Hal Eberle and now South Carolina Senate Clerk Jeff Gossett. Today the South Carolina Policy Council boasts a membership of over 5,000 and regularly participates in policy debates with political, religious and business leaders throughout the Palmetto State. I am honored to take this opportunity to thank the Policy Council and to wish them well on the ongoing fight to conserve the principles of limited government and traditional values.”