James Seidel 
DOGE SC
DOGE SC Movement Gains Momentum as Survey Shows Strong Support for Government Efficiency Overhaul
By James Seidel | CC News Network
COLUMBIA, S.C. – DOGE SC – A growing movement to rein in government spending and eliminate South Carolina’s individual income tax is gaining traction, with a new survey showing broad public support for the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE SC).
According to a Co/efficient poll conducted this month, 60% of South Carolina voters—85% of Republicans—support the creation of a state-specific DOGE entity, modeled after the federal version launched under Donald Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, 64% of voters—83% of Republicans—support eliminating the state’s income tax, the highest of any Republican-led state.
DOGE SC: A Call for Limited Government
The movement’s founder, Rom Reddy, sees the results as validation of his mission to shift power away from the state and back to citizens.
“It’s long past time to reverse the flow of money and power from the citizenry to the state and take back the power, money, and decisions that are rightfully ours – and ours alone – to make,” Reddy said.
Reddy argues that South Carolina ranks in the bottom ten nationally in key categories such as education, median family income, and roads, despite its budget surplus and massive federal funding. He believes DOGE SC could eliminate government waste, reduce costs, and return more money to taxpayers.
Survey Highlights: South Carolinians Want Change
Support for DOGE SC: Nearly six in ten voters support establishing a statewide Department of Government Efficiency, including 88% of conservatives. Even 25% of Democrats and 32% of Independents support the idea.
Taxpayer Relief a Top Priority: If created, 27% of voters believe DOGE SC’s top focus should be cutting taxes, while 21% prioritize infrastructure improvements. Government spending cuts ranked third at 19%.
Trump’s Federal DOGE Receives Mixed Reviews: While 51% of South Carolinians hold a favorable view of Trump’s federal DOGE initiative, 45% view it unfavorably.
Governor McMaster’s Approval Sinks
The survey also revealed troubling numbers for South Carolina’s political leadership. While Trump maintains a 50% approval rating in the state, Governor Henry McMaster’s numbers are significantly weaker:
Only 36% approve of McMaster’s job performance, while 45% disapprove.
Among Republicans, McMaster’s approval is 63%, with 16% disapproving.
These numbers suggest McMaster’s leadership is not inspiring confidence, particularly among the state’s conservative base.
The Bigger Question: Can South Carolina Afford to Cut Spending?
Despite a budget surplus, South Carolina relies heavily on federal funding—ranking 5th in the nation for federal dependency. Much of the state’s money comes from Washington, D.C., for Medicaid, infrastructure, military bases, and disaster relief.
This raises a critical question: How can the state cut spending when it depends so much on federal dollars?
✔ Eliminating the state income tax could create a revenue shortfall unless offset by spending cuts or new taxes.
✔ Slashing government programs could reduce federal matching funds, impacting services like healthcare and education.
✔ Infrastructure spending remains a major concern, with South Carolina’s roads and bridges ranking among the worst in the nation.
Who Can Cut Spending Now in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, no single official can act like a “doge” or dictator and unilaterally cut government spending. However, there are legal pathways to cut or restrict spending starting immediately, but they require action from specific offices or bodies. Here’s a breakdown of who has that power and under what circumstances they could act:
1. Governor of South Carolina (Henry McMaster)
Authority to Cut Spending Immediately? ✅ Yes — in limited, emergency-related scenarios.
- Under the South Carolina Constitution, the governor can:
- Veto line items in the state budget (but only before it’s passed into law).
- Declare a fiscal emergency and issue executive orders to restrict certain spending, especially during budget shortfalls or natural disasters.
- Direct agencies under the executive branch to halt non-essential expenditures.
But this power is limited — he can’t touch judicial or legislative branch funds, and any long-term cuts need General Assembly approval.
2. South Carolina General Assembly (Legislature)
Authority to Cut Spending Immediately? ✅ Yes — if they are in session or called into special session.
- They can:
- Pass emergency appropriations bills or budget amendments.
- Repeal previously approved spending.
- Redirect funds from one department to another.
If they’re not in session, the governor can call a special session to address spending cuts.
3. South Carolina Comptroller General
Authority to Cut Spending Immediately? ❌ No — but they can pause or delay spending if the budget is out of balance.
- The Comptroller ensures that state spending doesn’t exceed revenues.
- If there’s a cash shortfall, the office can delay payments or warn agencies of cash flow issues.
4. South Carolina Budget and Control Board (or its successor, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority)
Authority to Cut Spending Immediately? ✅ In certain cases.
- This board (chaired by the Governor) can make emergency financial decisions.
- They can approve mid-year budget cuts if revenue projections fall short.
What’s Next for DOGE SC?
DOGE SC’s grassroots momentum is growing, and detailed policy proposals are expected in the coming weeks. Reddy and his supporters believe that government efficiency, not federal reliance, is the key to economic growth in South Carolina.
However, with deep federal dependency and ongoing infrastructure needs, can the state truly afford sweeping cuts without hurting residents? That debate is just beginning.
Stay with CC News Network for the latest updates on DOGE SC, state budget issues, and South Carolina politics.
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James Seidel is an investigative journalist, bestselling author, and founder of CC News Network, known for breaking major stories in South Carolina.
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