Transparency and Accountability Needed on Government Fraud and Waste

The Challenge: Citizens believe taxpayer money is being mismanaged with insufficient transparency, and that the legislature lacks the accountability mechanisms to prevent fraud and waste, as well as concerns about political immunity. What do South Carolinians think? Residents describe a pattern of dysfunction. One wrote that "legislators intentionally misuse the time they spend in session to misdirect and stall bills." Another said simply: "follow the money — just how you get there is the issue." The call for honesty is direct — "make it illegal for South Carolina politicians to lie to their constituents even if they are not under oath" earned 99% approval. Frustration with insider culture is widespread: residents want to "demolish the good ole boy network" and noted that "politicians with the highest approval seem to be those who do NOTHING."