January 27, 2012: Rebuffing – Sexting – Texting and…Horses?
If you're new to this weekly newsletter, I welcome you. We've garnered quite a following - nearly 5,000 people receive this e-mail and the list grows weekly. As a former TV news guy, I report the news from the S.C. State House from my perspective. Even though the report can get lengthy, consider it your 'news briefing digest'. I hope you'll scan it like a newspaper and spend time with the issues that most interest you.
DHEC Rebuffed for Port Vote: The House unanimously approved legislation that would stop the SC Department of Health and Environmental (DHEC) from making decisions regarding the dredging of the Savannah port. Controversy has been swirling since DHEC's board decided to give Georgia a permit to dredge the Savannah River to a depth of 48 feet so they can expand their port. You can tell by the vote that legislators thought it was a horrible economic and environmental decision which placed Charleston's port at a competitive disadvantage and jeopardized the very existence of a future port in Jasper, SC. One of every five jobs in our state is directly tied to our ports, and this issue is too important to ignore.
House Republicans Unveil Right to Work Act of 2012: I stood with Gov. Haley and fellow Republican legislators as we unveiled sweeping legislation designed to protect the rights of SC's workers. The 'Right to Work Act of 2012' (H.4652) will strengthen our state's business environment so more jobs can be created. Every South Carolinian should have the right to work and make a living for his or her family without being forced to join a union or pay dues. Among other things, the legislation requires employers to display a poster that informs workers of our state's 'Right to Work' protections. The legislation also increases labor organization transparency and requires written authorization for any union dues to be deducted from a worker's paycheck.
More People Working: We received encouraging news this week that SC's unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest rate since 2008. It's the fourth straight month unemployment has declined; we're now at 9.5%statewide (Aiken County stands at 8.5%).
Aiken County Scores Another Economic Success! Pactiv, a maker of food service and food packaging, announced plans to expand its existing operations in Aiken County. The $5.5 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs over the next three years. In the past year, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
Sexting Bill: Some kids (and adults) like to share explicit sexual pictures on their phones. It's call 'sexting'. The House judiciary committee effectively killed a bill aimed at discouraging underage 'sexting' citing too many legal questions.
Driving/Texting Ban: A House sub-committee, on which I serve, took testimony this week on a bill (H.4451) that would ban texting while driving. We heard from AAA, the Trucker's Association, Automobile Manufacturers and law enforcement who all favor the bill. SC is one of only 8 states having no statewide driving texting ban. The bill carries stiff fines. It's likely the bill will be debated in the House in a few weeks.
School Success Story: SC's Superintendent of Education, Mick Zais, visited Wagener-Salley HS yesterday. I invited him to see first-hand how strong and innovative leadership has transformed that high school. Wagener-Salley was FAILING 3 years ago; now it is succeeding!
AIKEN HORSE ALERT! The House of Representatives passed legislation that gives better protection to landowners from being held responsible if a horseback rider is injured while riding across private property. H.4475 passed unanimously and heads to the Senate. The legislation was sought by Aiken equine interests.
Wanna Vote? Prove Your Citizenship: New SC voters would have to show proof of their U.S. citizenship, under a bill that's moving through the State Senate. The measure requires South Carolinians registering to vote to present a driver's license, birth certificate, passport or tribal verification when registering to vote. Currently, new voters do not have to show any proof of U.S. citizenship. They attest to their citizenship when filling out paperwork to become a voter.
Signs of Better Times: SC's tax revenues continue to grow. We learned this week that an earlier estimate showing the state will have an extra $900 million for next year's state budget (starting in July) is a solid estimation, according to the state Board of Economic Advisors.
SC Fair Tax Draws Support: The S.C. Fair Tax Act (H.3993) gained two more legislative sponsors this week. There are now 67 co-sponsors of the Fair Tax in the House.
Tax Climate in SC: The Tax Foundation has released its 2012 State Business Tax Climate Index. Their Index allows us to gauge how state's tax systems compare and how tax rates help or harm competitiveness of a state's business environment. Unfortunately, SC ranks # 36 overall. We can do better; tax reform is coming.
Great Cookin': I snuck into the kitchen at Houndslake CC so I could check on the 'Celebrity Chef's' from Aiken High School's culinary team. They prepared a gourmet dinner for guests attending their fundraiser. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for the students to get 'real world' experience and for us to enjoy their award winning food! They're state champions !
New Leader for DHEC: Catherine Templeton has been selected to head the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. She is currently director of SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and gained a reputation for tightening the reins on LLR. The S.C. Senate must sign off on Templeton's appointment as DHEC Director.
New DNR Chief: The SC Department of Natural Resources board has picked veteran agency law enforcement chief, Col. Alvin Taylor, to replace John Frampton as the department's director. Taylor is a 35-year DNR employee.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
____________________________________________________________________________________
January 20, 2012: Legislative Update
The most important message I can deliver today can be summed up in two words: GO VOTE! Tomorrow (Saturday) is the Republican presidential primary election in S.C. It's our opportunity to help determine the future of America. Vote as if your way of life depends on it - it does!
My Conservative Vote: Let me be clear - I think highly of Gov. Rick Perry. I've walked him around the streets of Aiken and proudly introduced him at his recent 'Rally in the Alley'. I believe Rick Perry has the experience, intelligence, talent and the heart and soul to be a strong, effective President. Regrettably, the Perry campaign faltered and never recovered. That's unfortunate; we must move on. With our 'First-in-the-South' primary this Saturday, SC voters have a large voice in who will be the Republican presidential nominee. I'll cast my vote for Newt Gingrich. In my opinion, he's the best non-Romney candidate in the field and a man with the intellect, experience and savvy to give Barrack Obama the defeat he deserves.
The State of Our State: Governor Nikki Haley delivered her annual State of the State address Wednesday evening to a joint legislative session. She highlighted her first year in office by touting $5 billion of business investment in SC and almost 20,000 new jobs. She promised to fight for more SC jobs, block unions from expanding in the state and reject federal health mandates (ObamaCare). She also urged consideration of her executive budget that calls for 4.5 percent increase in spending. Her budget proposal sets spending caps, cut taxes for some citizens and businesses and creates a $25 million fund to improve the state's ports.
Tax Reform Reality: Gov. Haley's tax reform proposals are a good start, but don't go far enough. The House GOP Tax Reform Committee (on which I serve) presented its recommendations to House Republicans this week. I also had the opportunity Monday to address the first SC Tea Party Convention held in Myrtle Beach where I outlined our tax reform goals. Our committee proposes to eliminate two-thirds of the current sales tax exemptions, lower the high property tax burden on businesses and reduce personal income tax rates. It's comprehensive and real reform that will help businesses grow and create jobs while helping secure SC's economic future.
Fiscal Fitness Agenda Passes Committee: In the state Senate, a so-called 'Fiscal Fitness' agenda passed committee and heads to the full Senate for a vote. The agenda encompasses several legislative initiatives, including a state constitutional spending cap, a deficit prevention act and a trust fund protection act. The plan also calls for broad-based regulatory reform so that regulations and fees require a vote from the General Assembly.
Casino Revenue: A group of SC House Democrats is exploring the feasibility of gambling casinos in our state as a way to bring in more revenue and create more jobs. The proposal revealed by Rep. Boyd Brown (D-Fairfield) while appearing on WIS-TV.
Budget Preview: I joined other members of the House earlier this week getting a preview of the upcoming state budget proposals. We heard from 10 departments. Whew! Here are a few education highlights recommended by Education Superintendent Mick Zais:
1) Continue the base student cost at $2,790.
2) $5 million for school bus maintenance; our school bus fleet is one of the oldest, if not the oldest.
3) Purchase of new textbooks; the General Assembly suspended the purchase of new textbooks for the two years.
One Step in the Right Direction: The consolidation of school districts in many areas of SC would save money and increase efficiency by cutting administration costs and eliminating unnecessary duplication. At the request of the several school districts in Marion County, the House unanimously passed a bill (H.4632) consolidating the school districts in that county into one district. It takes effect this July.
Controversial Port Dredging Issue: You've probably seen news stories regarding Gov. Haley and the controversial DHEC decision to allow Georgia to proceed with dredging the Savannah River for their port. House debate started yesterday on a joint resolution (H.4627) to suspend DHEC's authority in this issue. Debate continues next week.
Furlough of House and Save Money: We can't seem to get the Senate to agree to legislation that would permanently shorten the legislative session. House leadership has found a way. During this session we will be furloughed for three weeks, saving an estimated $150,000.
Lawsuits and Horse Trails: Horseback riding on trails in Aiken County is growing in popularity and the Aiken Chamber of Commerce is developing an integrated trail system. The Chamber's Equine Committee pushed for legislation that would better protect landowners from being held responsible if a horseback rider is injured while riding across private property. The bill (H.4475) was sponsored by Rep. Tom Young and co-sponsored by Rep. Clyburn, Rep. Hixon and me. This week, the House Agriculture Subcommittee approved the bill. It now goes to full committee.
An Invitation to President Obama: The House agreed to a Resolution to invite President Obama to address the SC General Assembly. The Democrat's initiative now goes to the Senate.
Business Advocate: I was honored this week to receive the SC Chamber of Commerce 'Business Advocate Award'. It's given to legislators who have a 100% business-friendly voting record in the previous year's legislative session. In my view, it's all about freeing up businesses to create jobs.
That's this week's legislative digest. My goal is to keep you up-to-date on key issues and votes so you know what's happening at the State House.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Jan. 13, 2012: Saying No & Standing Up
The South Carolina General Assembly reconvened this week. We have much to accomplish to improve our state's economy to insure we are best positioned to create jobs in the private sector. Beginning with this newsletter, I'll be reporting each Friday on the news from the State House. Even though the report can get lengthy, consider it your 'news briefing digest' on state government. I hope you'll scan it like a newspaper and spend time with the issues that interest you.
Sometimes it's Best to Say NO
On the first day of the new session, the SC House killed legislation that would have expanded government. The House upheld Gov. Nikki Haley's veto of a bill creating a regional council that was intended to improve economic and education opportunities along rural I-95. I was one of a handful of Representatives who originally voted against the bill last spring because it created another needless bureaucracy. However, it passed the House and Senate and Haley vetoed the bill arguing it unnecessarily increases state government and duplicates what the state commerce and education departments already do. The Senate voted to override her veto. This week the House sustained the veto and the legislation failed.
States' Rights - Standing Up to Big Brother
Also on the first day of the session I stood with Gov. Haley, Speaker Harrell, Attorney General Wilson and other legislators in announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice's decision to block the SC voter ID law. The law would require voters to show a photo identification card issued by the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles or a U.S. military ID or a U.S. passport. Last month, the U.S. Justice Department said the law would prevent minorities from voting. It was the first voter ID law to be rejected by the department in 20 years.
Voter ID - Dead People Voting in SC!
Democratic state legislators fought the Voter ID bill claiming voter fraud doesn't exist in SC. The facts don't support their claim. The S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles director estimates more than 900 people who were recorded as having voted were actually deceased and he has turned that data over to the SLED for investigation. DMV director Kevin Schwedo testified before a S.C. House subcommittee this week stating that his staff analyzed the records of more than 239,000 voters who do not have a state driver's license or identification card, and discovered that about 37,000 of them were deceased.
Curbing Government Over-Regulation
This week I joined as a co-sponsor of a bill (H.4575) that would sunset all regulations issued by SC departments and agencies. Current law calls for regulations to be "periodically reviewed" by the agencies, but that doesn't happen systematically. This common sense bill requires that all regulations expire five years from the time they took effect. It would then be up to the agencies to seek legislative approval to renew the regulations. Regulations may be warranted when enacted, but many times they outlive their usefulness and purpose. This measure would get those unneeded 'regs' off the books.
Privatize School Buses
Good government most often is less government. Government shouldn't do things that could be better and more efficiently performed by the competitive private industry. I co-sponsored a bill this week that calls for the privatization of SC's public school bus system. SC is the only state operating a bus system. It also has an aging bus fleet with many buses 20+ years old.
School Choice Bill Returns
I joined other legislators as a lead sponsor of the new school choice bill (H.4576). The bill is similar to one that was derailed last year. It offers tax credits and scholarships so parents have more choice in where and how their children are educated. Children learn differently and parents deserve the flexibility in making educational choices rather than being locked into a one-size-fits-all educational model. The goal is to truly educate and equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need for the future. You will be hearing a lot more on this topic in the coming months.
Some Good News for Schools - But Not ALL Good
Education Week is out with its state rankings for public education. SC's public schools tied for 23rd place; that's above the national average. Overall, SC received a grade of C+. Teachers were given a B+, but K-12 achievement was given a D. Neighboring states, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, as well as a few other southern states, got better grades than SC's public schools in this evaluation.
State Senate Panel Approves Unemployment Bills
A SC Senate legislative committee approved bills that would require people laid off in SC to pass a drug test to receive unemployment benefits and volunteer 16 hours weekly with a charity or public agency to keep receiving a check. (I co-sponsored a similar drug testing bill introduced in the House last June.) Sen. Paul Campbell said his bill requiring community service will help people find jobs as they hone their skills. The bill advances to a full Senate committee for debate.
More Good Economic News
BMW is making another huge investment in SC. The German automaker is making a $900 million investment to expand its Upstate facilities over the next three years and will be adding 300 new jobs. The move will ramp up production at the plant to at least 300,000 cars this year and introduce a new X4 model. Gov. Haley said, "BMW has once again provided tremendous evidence that South Carolina is a blueprint for significant economic development success."
Honoring Officer Scotty Richardson
The SC House and Senate passed a concurrent resolution honoring and remembering the supreme sacrifice made in the line of duty by Aiken Master Public Safety Officer Scott Richardson, and to express to his family the profound appreciation of a grateful state for his life sacrifice and service. We look forward to presenting Officer Richardson's family with the framed resolution when they are able to visit the State House.
What's Ahead for Your Legislature?
These are the MAJOR issues we will be tackling during this legislative session:
Pension Reform - the retirement system's unfunded liabilities will be addressed.
Comprehensive Tax Reform - I've been working on the House GOP Tax Reform Committee and we will soon be presenting our recommendations.
Reforming the Department of Transportation
Creating a Department of Administration overseen by the Governor's office - The House of Representatives passed this legislation last year; it awaits Senate approval.
On the Presidential Campaign Trail
I was honored to host Gov. Rick Perry during his visit to Aiken Wednesday. He dropped in on five downtown businesses and met many of the folks who gathered on the street to support him. Gov. Perry was greeted with a standing-room-only crowd for his rally at the municipal building. One Republican activist, who has spent time with nearly all the presidential candidates, wrote me this: "I believe Gov. Perry captured this politically savvy town's heart and soul." He went on to write, "Everyone loved what he had to say and how he said it. I fear some are overly concerned about his debate skills. He's a smart man and has steadily improved in the debate department. By the time he has gone through the next several months of campaigning he will be an ace debater and will catch Obama by surprise when Obama doesn't have his TelePrompTers."
For Republicans - A Challenging Presidential Process
It is incumbent on Republicans to get involved in the political process and vet the candidates. Once you have made up your mind, work for your choice. But when all is said and done.....it's most important for all Republicans to work side-by-side to insure a Republican is in the White House in 2013.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Should you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to call or write.
____________________________________________________________________________________
