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Appalachian Regional Commission builds prosperity in SC

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. As our states grow, new initiatives often overshadow successful ones commenced long ago. One of these is the Appalachian Regional Commission. In South Carolina, the northwestern counties of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Spartanburg are within the Appalachian Region, which 1.2 million South Carolinians call home. This region features some of our state’s most iconic natural landmarks, ...

Revitalizing southern tier with ARC

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. New York's Southern Tier region is part of the rich, geographically diverse fabric that makes up New York State. It is home to highly sought-after educational institutions, a mix of innovative industries, more than 5,300 farms and nearly 5 million acres of forestland that contribute to climate mitigation and the State's $22 billion forest industry. The largely rural Southern Tier has been experiencing a resurgence ...

Afghans helped us; now we must help them

I still have trouble at times talking about Sept. 11, 2001. I was living in New York City, embracing my job in midtown Manhattan and living in the still-gritty-not-yet-trendy Brooklyn. I was several miles uptown from what became ground zero when the first plane struck, and it was the walking journey to my apartment that day that remains so vivid it feels like this past Tuesday, not a 1,000 Tuesdays ago. From seeing a banked F-16 screaming down the East River so low I could see the pilot’s helmet, to returning home across the river and seeing cars caked in concrete powder and office ...

What all should know about the Constitution

To commemorate the Sept. 17, 1787, signing of the Constitution of the United States, Congress designated Sept. 17th of each year as Constitution Day. More then ever it is important to understand the purpose of the U.S. Constitution. It is often referred to as a “living document” that grows and changes as society moves forward. No matter a person’s view on constitutional interpretation, there is no doubt that amendments to the Constitution have changed the course of the American legal system. The first 10 amendments became known as the “Bill of Rights,” including many ...

New tax would slow economy

As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., propose yet another battery of taxes specifically designed to punish the natural gas and oil industry, you must wonder if they ever bother to seriously consider the ramifications of continually attacking one of their favorite targets. PricewaterhouseCoopers recently issued new analysis highlighting the significant contributions the natural gas, oil and fuels industries make in our country, including jobs, labor income and value added. The report shows that the industry has widespread economic impact throughout all sectors of the economy. In 2019, ...

ARC Partnership Leading to Economic Growth in Mississippi

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of a series of commentaries from governors of states comprising the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development agency for the region. Mississippians are hardworking and constantly seeking opportunities to better themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why on the day I was sworn in as the 65th Governor of Mississippi, I made a commitment to increase economic development, improve infrastructure, and invest in workforce training. One of my priorities has always been, and will always be, making Mississippi the best state in the ...