Rep. Nikki Haley has made her time in the House by bullshitting her constituents, who apparently haven’t been paying close enough attention or been getting involved enough to call her on her hypocrisy. Of course, her buds (Will Folks, the S.C. Policy Council, [because his boss heads SCPC] Adam Fogle, the S.C. Club for Growth, &c.) won’t do anything to show what a shit campaign she’s running for governor.

If Haley had decided to bide her time in the House, she probably wouldn’t be caught in so many traps. But, she creates them for herself and then steps into them and acts like nobody will pay attention. That’s too bad, because the House leadership is done with her crap. When you get called out in public by the leadership of your own party, that could be a clue that you don’t know what they hell you’re doing.

Tuesday, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Dan Cooper, decided he had enough and called a spade a spade.

For months I have held my tongue while Rep. Nikki Haley traveled the state touting her “opposition” to taking federal stimulus dollars, but after reading her Feb. 12 guest column in this paper I felt compelled to set the record straight. Here are the facts:

While the majority of state legislators opposed President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan on principle, we realized that if South Carolina did not accept the federal funds then the hard-earned tax dollars of the families we represent would be spent in other places, like New Jersey and California. In other words, we would be paying the price and getting nothing in return.

Rep. Haley knew that. This legislation was thoroughly discussed, and the issues were very clear. On March 9, Rep. Haley joined 107 other legislators voting for an amendment to the budget bill to accept the stimulus money. The very next day, she voted for the budget bill that included the stimulus money. On the third and final reading of the bill, it passed overwhelmingly with a voice vote.

It was only two weeks after she announced her candidacy for governor that Nikki Haley changed her tune on the stimulus. She then began to publicly question everyone else who had joined her on multiple occasions in voting to accept these federal funds. And despite all of her double talk, the truth is Nikki Haley’s rhetoric just doesn’t match her record.

Haley has taken steps in recent years to get in tight with the Sanford cabal. Now that organization is falling apart, she’s up the creek. It should be a lesson to others who sell out for for out-of-state dollars and perceived influence. Put your constituents and your district first — not political pals.

TUESDAY
HOUSE
Introductions

• H. 4351, by Rep. Kenneth Hodges, to make it the policy of the state to promote microbusinesses — companies with five or fewer employees.
• H. 4352, by Hodges, to establish a study committee to promote and provide funds for the creation and growth of small businesses.

SENATE
Introductions

• S. 1058, by Sen. Larry Martin, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to abolish the office of lieutenant governor, and to make the necessary changes involving the incapacity or removal of the governor, and the order of succession.
• H. 4253, by Rep. Tim Scott, a concurrent resolution to urge the Department of Commerce to start a business recruitment initiative that emphasized South Carolina’s right-to-work status.
• H. 4299, by Rep. Dan Cooper, to allow spending flexibility among public schools in a number of areas.

Enrolled for ratification

• H. 3488, by Rep. James Smith, to develop a committee to address veterans’ issues.

Amended and adopted

• S. 424, by Sen. Lee Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments.

WEDNESDAY
HOUSE
Introductions

• H. 4373, by Rep. Dwight Loftis, to set up a state Department of Energy and provide for a director to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and eliminating the State Energy Office.
• H. 4385, by Rep. Michael Thompson, to reform the board of trustees for the University of South Carolina.
• H. 4386, by Thompson, to set term limits for public university boards of trustees.

Objection to recall

• H. 3952, by Rep. Chris Hart, to place a six-month moratorium on foreclosures and accrual of interest on certain mortgages. Hart asked to recall the bill from the Judiciary Committee, but Rep. Jim Harrison objected.

Sent to the Senate

• H. 3543, by Rep. Joan Brady, implementing a dating violence policy to help local school districts to develop their own policies and to create reporting requirements.

Debate adjourned

• H. 3280, by Rep. Tom Young, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow the voters to decide as to whether they would support removing the superintendent of education from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot. The bill is scheduled to be taken up again on Jan. 26.

Reported out of committee favorably

• H. 4318, by T. Young, a concurrent resolution to show the objection of the General Assembly to the Federal government’s abandoning of Yucca Mountain as the default storage location for nuclear waste.

SENATE
Introductions

• H. 4303, by Rep. Kenny Bingham, immediate reforms to the Employment Security Commission, including parameters for disqualifying some applicants and upgrading technology.

Reported out of committee favorably

• S. 1034, by Sen. Hugh Leatherman, to extend until Nov. 15, 2010 the deadline by which the Taxation Realignment Commission should submit its report and recommendations.

Motion for special order

• H. 3418, by Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, to require voters show a picture ID when voting. Martin moved to have the bill placed as special order, which failed 26-17.

• S. 391, by Sen. Greg Ryberg, to reform the Employment Security Commission. Sen. Nikki Setzler moved to place the bill as special order, which failed 18-23.

THURSDAY
HOUSE
Introductions

• S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments.
• H. 4410, by Rep. Alan Clemmons, to establish term limits for members of the House and Senate.

Recalled and sent back to committee

• H. 4385, by Thompson, to reform the board of trustees for the University of South Carolina. It was recalled from Judiciary and sent to Education and Public Works.
• H. 4351 and H. 4352, by Hodges, to make it the policy of the state to promote microbusinesses — companies with five or fewer employees; and to establish a study committee to promote and provide funds for the creation and growth of small businesses. Both bills were recalled from Ways and Means and sent to Labor, Commerce and Industry.

Adopted and sent to the Senate

• H. 4318, by T. Young, a concurrent resolution to show the objection of the General Assembly to the Federal government’s abandoning of Yucca Mountain as the default storage location for nuclear waste.

Reported out of committee favorably

• S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments.

SENATE
Introductions

• S. 1093, by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, to rescind the current resolution setting a date and time for judicial elections.
• S. 1085 and S. 1086, by Leatherman, to increase from three to five percent the amount of revenue deposited into the General Reserve Fund, and other reforms pertaining to the move; a constitutional amendment doing the same.
• H. 3543, by Brady, implementing a dating violence policy to help local school districts to develop their own policies and to create reporting requirements.
• H. 4318, by T. Young, a concurrent resolution to show the objection of the General Assembly to the Federal government’s abandoning of Yucca Mountain as the default storage location for nuclear waste.

Carried over

• S. 1034, by Leatherman, to extend until Nov. 15, 2010 the deadline by which the Taxation Realignment Commission should submit its report and recommendations. Ryberg made the motion to carry over.
• S. 517, by Sen. Tom Davis, to prevent any part of state government from administratively raising a fee or penalty without said increase first being approved by the General Assembly. The provision would expire on Jan. 15, 2011. The bill was amended, and carried over per a motion by Leatherman.

QUOTES
Regarding letting House Minority Leader Harry Ott talk first on “This Week in the House.”
Bingham: Let him go ahead first, I don’t mind having the last word.

===

On the vote inviting the national commander of the American Legion.
Harrell: The resolution is inviting the national commander of the American Legion to speak to the body. We’re in a roll call vote on it. In other words, it’s a vote of whether or not you’re going to attend.
Ott: And we’re going to hold you to it if you vote yes.
(Laughter)

===

During the debate on the state sovereignty bill.
Sen. Phil Leventis: I’ve probably fired more bullets than you have. Why? Because I used to shoot them at 100 a second. Not for many seconds, but that’s how fast the gun shoots on the plane that I flew for about 20 years. And even though I did it maybe once a week, you know. So, we’ll leave that statement unchallenged that I fired more shells than y’all have, and then the next time we get up, you can assure me why I’m wrong about that.

===

During the discussion of the suit against the Judicial Merit Selection Commission.
Sen. Robert Ford: You know our colleagues in Charleston, our constituents. I mean, they’re always ready to fight.
McConnell: Now, Charleston can create crises around here.

This is why this feature needs to be done after each day the General Assembly is in session. Like a college football team playing its first game of the year, we were a little rusty out of the gate — and absent-mindedly short of AAA batteries for the voice recorder. Regardless, a lot happened in the first week of this year’s session, and here’s a few of the highlights.

TUESDAY
HOUSE
Statement from Rep. Ted Pitts

• Today, on the first day of the 2010 legislative year, it disappoints me that I cannot be there at the opening of what will be my last year as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. If plans do not change, the next time I step on the floor of the House, it will be as a former member. Serving the County and State I love so much in the S.C. House has been one of the greatest honors of my life and the memories and friendships will be cherished. The House truly is a great institution, bigger than any one person and an embodiment of what our Founding Fathers intended, with South Carolinians deciding collectively through a representative democracy, what is best for South Carolina. During 2010, I have been called to serve our State and Country in a different place and on a different front. Like many after the attacks of 9/11, I found myself wanting to do my part to protect and defend the greatness of this Country. It is now my turn to go do my part in the ‘War on Terror’ as a Captain in the South Carolina National Guard, like Luke 12:48 says “To those much is given, much is expected.”

Special presentation

• Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell and the Charleston delegation presented former Rep. Wallace Scarborough with a showing of their thanks for his service in the General Assembly.

Reported out of committee favorably

• H. 4219, sponsored by Rep. Jim Harrison, a censure resolution of Gov. Mark Sanford. It was ordered to be taken up on Wednesday.

SENATE
Introduced

• S. 1040, by Sen. Mike Rose, to allow games of Texas hold ‘em, or any other poker game, to be played at Federal military installations in the state, as permitted by the base commander.

Received from the House

• H. 4022, by Ted Pitts, to provide that firearms, ammunition and accessories manufactured and kept in South Carolina are exempt from Federal firearms laws.

Debate interrupted

• S. 424, by Sen. Lee Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments. A strike-and-replace amendment to the bill was offered, to address actions by Congress relating to health care and bailouts. The action surprised Democrats, who began a filibuster.

WEDNESDAY
HOUSE
Motion

• Rep. Tom Young requested that the House adjourn in memory of former state Treasurer Grady Patterson.

Introduced

• H. 4298, by Rep. Joan Brady, related to reform of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
• H. 4299, by Rep. Dan Cooper, to allow spending flexibility among public schools in a number of areas.
• H. 4303, by Rep. Kenny Bingham, immediate reforms to the Employment Security Commission, including parameters for disqualifying some applicants and upgrading technology.
• H. 4327, By Rep. Mike Sottile, to provide an exception to Sunday beer and wines laws, so as to allow an establishment already allowed to sell beer and wine to purchase a permit that would allow them to sell on Sunday.

Reported out of committee favorably

• H. 4253, sponsored by Rep. Tim Scott, a concurrent resolution to urge the Department of Commerce to start a business recruitment initiative that emphasized South Carolina’s right-to-work status.

Ordered to third reading

• H. 3279, by T. Young, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow the voters to decide as to whether they would support removing the secretary of state from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot. It passed, 77-41.

Passed

• H. 4219, by Harrison, to censure the Governor. The concurrent resolution passed with a margin of 102-11. Most no votes were by Democrats who wanted to see a sterner resolution.

Debate adjourned

• Debate was adjourned for two bills relating to the budget until Feb. 2. One was the actual budget bill (H. 3561), and the other was a bill to amend the tax code (H. 3854, by Cooper).
• H. 3543, by Brady, implementing a dating violence policy to help local school districts to develop their own policies and to create reporting requirements. Rep. Walt McLeod wanted to see how much such a measure would cost, and requested the bill be taken back up on Jan. 20.
• H. 3280, by T. Young, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow the voters to decide as to whether they would support removing the superintendent of education from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot.
• H. 3608, by Rep. David Mack, to establish early voting centers, a way for a voter to register and vote early, and other matters related to the issue.

SENATE
Introduced

• S. 1042, by Sen. Jake Knotts, to allow teachers to administer corporal punishment on school grounds without being subject to civil or criminal penalties, and extending that protection to administrators and the district.

Reported out of committee favorably

• H. 3488, by Rep. James Smith, to develop a committee to address veterans’ issues.

Recalled, sent to committee

• H. 4219, by Harrison, to censure the Governor. Knotts suggested that the bill should go through the normal committee process, and the resolution was sent to the Judiciary Committee.

Passed on second reading

• S. 1027, by Sen. Yancey McGill, to prohibit hunters from using dogs on private property without permission.

Debate interrupted

• S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments. A strike-and-replace amendment to the bill was offered, to address actions by Congress relating to health care and bailouts. Democrats continued their filibuster.

THURSDAY
HOUSE
Special presentation

• Harrell and the Charleston delegation presented Mack with his Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Picture Award for “going above and beyond” his service to the community.

Introduced

• H. 4336, by Cooper, to extend the deadline for a report and recommendations from the Taxation Realignment Commission from March 15 to Nov. 15.
• H. 4348, by Rep. Anton Gunn, to require minutes of full committees and subcommittees of the House be recorded by voice recorder, archived, available online and to require that votes on all actions be taken by roll call vote.

Ordered to third reading

• H. 4299, by Cooper, to allow spending flexibility among public schools in a number of areas.

Ordered to third reading, as amended

• H. 4303, by Bingham, immediate reforms to the Employment Security Commission, including parameters for disqualifying some applicants and upgrading technology. It passed, 112-1.

Rejected

• H. 3279, by T. Young, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow the voters to decide as to whether they would support removing the secretary of state from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot. It failed by lacking a two-thirds majority, 72-38.

Adopted and sent to Senate

• H. 4253, sponsored by Scott, a concurrent resolution to urge the Department of Commerce to start a business recruitment initiative that emphasized South Carolina’s right-to-work status.

Debate adjourned

• H. 3280, by T. Young, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow the voters to decide as to whether they would support removing the superintendent of education from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot.

SENATE
Introduced

• S. 1053, by Sen. Glenn McConnell, to mandate that no fee, penalty or tax can be raised in the general appropriations bill, and only by separate legislation, and to provide exemptions.

Passed on second reading as amended

• S. 517, by Sen. Tom Davis, to prevent any part of state government from administratively raising a fee or penalty without said increase first being approved by the General Assembly. The provision would expire at the end of the session.

Ordered to third reading

• H. 3488, by J.E. Smith, to develop a committee to address veterans’ issues.

Passed on third reading, sent to House

• S. 1027, by McGill, to prohibit hunters from using dogs on private property without permission, as amended by committee.

Debate interrupted

• S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments. A strike-and-replace amendment to the bill was offered, to address actions by Congress relating to health care and bailouts. Democrats continued their filibuster.

QUOTES
Statement by Sens. McConnell, Billy O’Dell, Larry Martin, Thomas Alexander, and Hugh Leatherman in regard to the vote to adjourn on Thursday.
Today, the opponents of the Sovereignty Resolution, S. 424, who had been engaging in extended debate to block passage offered to conclude the debate on Tuesday if the Senate would adjourn. Those of us who wanted to pass the Resolution did not have the cloture votes to conclude the debate today and vote up or down. Therefore, the offer by the opponents was reasonable and made good common sense. There was no need to sit here today in a filibuster and then be back in a filibuster on Tuesday when we could conclude the matter on Tuesday. To vote against adjournment meant no deal and no end to the debate. A vote by supporters of the Resolution with the opponents today to adjourn assures an end to the filibuster.

This was explained to the other supporters of the Resolution who chose instead to oppose adjournment. That vote, in our opinion, was supposed to apparently make them appear more determined than some of us to pass the Resolution; but, in actuality, their votes, if they prevailed, would have left the Resolution to die in extended debate.

= = =

On H. 4219, the resolution to censure
Harrison: Ladies and gentlemen, we have lived this nightmare for the past seven months.

= = =

As Harrell and the Charleston delegation stood at the podium on Thursday
Rep. Harry Cato: Mr. Speaker, if I knew how to turn you on, I would.
Laughter
Cato: Mr. Speaker, if I knew how to turn your microphone on, I would.

= = =

While speaking in opposition to the superintendent of education constitutional amendment.
McLeod: The Speaker wants to adjourn debate, and whatever the Speaker wants, I want.

Former State Treasurer Grady Patterson has passed away, leaving South Carolina without yet another long-time state political figure. Unlike the gentleman who defeated Patterson in 2006, the man appeared perfectly happy to serve the Palmetto State in a relatively unheralded position. Democratic operative Trav Robertson probably knew Patterson as well as anybody younger than 50, called his friend and former employer, “One of the finest humans, I have ever known.” House Appropriations Committee chairman Dan Cooper replied to Robertson’s Facebook status by adding, “He was the best! Sad to lose him on Pearl Harbor Day. I will always remember his support and friendship.”

Patterson first entered the state treasurer’s office in 1966. From there on out, he kept that job with the exception of 1995-1999 and after losing to Thomas Ravenel in three years ago. That’s an incredible string of service while he watched other officials go in and out of the Governor’s Office and other higher-level positions. His passing led to an outpouring of good words from the political sphere.

Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell

Grady Patterson was a good friend to me and to the people of South Carolina. All of us who have had the pleasure of getting to know Grady over the rich history of his life will truly miss him. He selflessly served our country during a time of war, guided our state through his public service and devoted himself fully to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family as we remember and honor the memory of this great South Carolinian.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Grady Patterson. He was someone who truly loved his state and his nation. He spent his entire adult life devoted to both his service to our country in the armed forces and in his public service to our state. The hallmark of his career is that he endeavored to make South Carolina a better place. Hopefully, his life will be an example to all of us of what public service should and can mean. He will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to call him a friend, and those who didn’t have the honor of meeting him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this sad time.

Senate Minority Leader John Land

South Carolina has lost a true public servant. Grady dedicated his life to serving our country and our state. In addition to being a loving father and grandfather, Grady will be remembered as good steward of our tax dollars. During his terms as Treasurer, Grady’s common sense approach to managing the state’s finances kept South Carolina on the right financial track and his wise counsel was valuable as state leaders crafted policy. Grady was one of a kind and he will be missed.

Sen. Vince Sheheen, Democratic candidate for governor

Grady Patterson will be remembered for his service to our state and our nation. I had the honor of working for Grady as a college student, and I think his honor and integrity are a model for current leaders to follow. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Patterson and the family.

Bill Connor, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor

I am deeply saddened by the news of former state Treasurer Grady Patterson’s passing. Grady Patterson was a man of principle who served our nation well flying missions over Japan in World War Two before serving our state as Treasurer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Patterson family today.

Steve Benjamin, candidate for Columbia mayor

We mourn the passing of true patriot today.

Whether as an attorney, an Air Force officer, a private citizen or our State Treasurer, Grady Patterson will be remembered across South Carolina as a man who always answered his call to duty with honor, humility, and without hesitation. His tireless dedication to the people of this state and this country will stand as an example for all who seek to serve.

We pass our most sincere condolences on to the Patterson family for their loss. DeAndrea and I will be keeping them in our prayers

The time before the next session isn’t just about writing bills and fun with impeachment. There are a number of important issues that need to be dealt with, and some preplanning involved. That’s why a few groups of legislators are getting together to save time when the General Assembly goes on the clock in January.

One of the biggest and most involved issues is a total overhaul of the state health care apparatus. Since September, a Senate subcommittee has been hashing out the details of three restructuring bills — S. 384, H. 3199 and H. 3314. Though it initially looked shot down, the first bill’s proposal of moving the Department of Health and Environmental Control into the cabinet survived a late October vote. H. 3199 would combine the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and the Continuum of Care into a cabinet-level Department of Behavioral Health Services. The third bill would make the maligned Department of Disabilities and Special Needs into the cabinet, as well.

What has been and will probably continue to be talked about is splitting up DHEC into two boards within the department — one just on health issues, one on the environment. Seems to make sense.

Another spot that is getting extra attention is the Employment Security Commission. We’ve seen problems with the ESC for a year now, from outdated information systems to a lack of cash, and fights over who should be getting the money when times are tight. Yet another problem is that the agency owes the Federal government $700 million for loans used to pay South Carolina’s unemployed when there was no money to be had. Tuesday, a House committee began taking a close look at further reforms of the agency. The idea is to have legislation ready when everything kicks off next month.

“We all understand there is going to be some reform,” said Rep. Kenny Bingham, R-Lexington, picked by [House Appropriations Committee chairman Dan] Cooper to be chairman of the subcommittee. “We need to get a bill out.”

The House review comes in the wake of a tumultuous two years which saw the state and national economies plunge into recession, and runaway unemployment benefits claims bankrupt the state’s once-soaring, $1 billion benefits trust fund.

There’s one place that legislators won’t be spending any extra time. The Taxation Realignment Commission is composed of 11 members, none of which are members of the General Assembly, per the legislation that created TRAC. They should be keeping up with the reports that are going up on the Internet, though, because there’s going to be a significant push to get something done when TRAC members present their report in March.

Here we give you the best of the rest, the bills that were noteworthy, but didn’t have other bills that were interesting enough to pair up with. There’s a little bit of everything in here.

Including snakes. And alligators. And God-knows-what-all that Rep. Herb Kirsh is introducing a bill regarding. It’s pretty much developing a full realm of regulation involving reptiles that’ll kill you as soon as hiss, growl, rattle, or just sneak up and bite your ass off.

H. 4218: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 17 TO TITLE 50 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF VENOMOUS REPTILES, CONSTRICTING SNAKES, AND CROCODILIANS, INCLUDING SPECIFICATIONS FOR HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION ENCLOSURES, WRITTEN BITE, SAFETY, AND ESCAPE PROTOCOLS; LAW ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES; REQUIREMENTS TO DETERMINE IF A REPTILE IS REGULATED UNDER THIS CHAPTER AND FOR MAKING FINAL DISPOSITIONS OF THESE REPTILES; ACTIVITIES NOT SUBJECT TO REGULATION UNDER THIS CHAPTER; CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN CONDUCT CONSTITUTES RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND SUBJECTS VIOLATORS TO PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CIVIL ACTIONS.

It always seemed as though the lieutenant governor’s office didn’t need term limits. Anyone who stays in that office past two terms either has a screw loose, or must be taking some sweet kick-back deals. That’s not stopping Rep. Tim Scott, though, who wants to limit the occupant to two consecutive terms.

H. 4182: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT BEGINNING WITH THE PERSON ELECTED LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN THE GENERAL ELECTION OF 2014, NO PERSON MAY BE ELECTED LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR MORE THAN TWO SUCCESSIVE TERMS.

And, we’re back again at common-law marriage. Why we’re still having to deal with this in the 21st century doesn’t seem to make sense, but Rep. Grady Brown is ready to go.

H. 4201: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-1-110 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN THIS STATE MAY NOT BE RECOGNIZED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2010, AND TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION FOR A COMMON LAW MARRIAGE EXISTING AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2010; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 20-1-360 RELATING TO THE VALIDITY OF A MARRIAGE CONTRACTED WITHOUT THE ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE.

Remember the reforms passed by the General Assembly during the extended session regarding the Employment Security Commission? Ah, well, it still needs enabling legislation. Its chief sponsor is House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham, accompanied by Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell and Reps. Harry Cato, Dan Cooper, Jeff Duncan, Jim Harrison, Leon Howard, Phil Owens, Brian White, Annette Young, Harry Ott and Gilda Cobb-Hunter.

H. 4203: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE “EMPLOYMENT SECURITY FUNDING AND REFORM ACT”.

Rounding it out is Rep. Bakari Sellers, who put in legislation that does a bit of restructuring in how the state administers education. Let’s see — it starts out by requiring that the high school graduation rate be tallied by race or ethnicity, and released by September of each year, then to eliminate the Education Oversight Committee, by taking out the EOC and moving its responsibilities into the state Department of Education. Anybody that loves strike-throughs will be exited by the text of this bill.

H. 4197: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-505 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO RELEASE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE DATA BASED ON RACE OR ETHNICITY BY SEPTEMBER FIRST OF EACH YEAR; TO AMEND SECTIONS 59-1-450, 59-1-452, AS AMENDED, 59-1-453, 59-6-10, 59-16-70, 59-18-120, AS AMENDED, 59-18-310, AS AMENDED, 59-18-320, AS AMENDED, 59-18-350, AS AMENDED, 59-18-900, AS AMENDED, 50-18-920, AS AMENDED, 59-18-950, 59-18-1500, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1510, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1530, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1540, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1570, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1590, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1700, AS AMENDED, 59-18-1930, AS AMENDED, 59-21-440, 59-21-600, 59-21-1210, 59-24-65, 59-26-20, AS AMENDED, 59-28-150, 59-28-190, 59-28-200, AS AMENDED, 59-28-210, 59-29-170, 59-29-220, 59-40-70, AS AMENDED, 59-40-230, 59-50-20, AS AMENDED, 59-59-170, 59-63-65, 59-139-10, 59-139-40, 59-139-60, AND 59-150-325, ALL RELATING TO THE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, TO CHANGE CERTAIN REFERENCES FROM THE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, OR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION, AND TO DELETE CERTAIN REFERENCES TO THE EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-6-15, 59-6-16, 59-6-17, 59-6-20, 59-6-30, 59-6-100, AND 59-6-110 ALL RELATING TO THE BUSINESS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP AND EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM MONITORING; TO REPEAL SECTION 59-21-1220 RELATING TO THE CAMPUS INCENTIVE PROGRAM; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 59-24-100 AND 59-24-110 BOTH RELATING TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM; TO REPEAL SECTION 59-28-220 RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYER TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES; TO REPEAL SECTION 59-139-50 RELATING TO A PLAN FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 59-141-10 RELATING TO NATIONAL EDUCATION GOALS.

Monday, the House took up the state budget, spending over 10 hours debating the biggest parts of the bill, including the education budget, which is, by itself, the single largest expenditure of state government on an annual basis.

Early on, the House passed over a number of sections on the bill to approve sections of the budget that did not have any opposition, so that the sections with a number of amendments would have the time to be taken up in the afternoon.

After coming back from the lunch break, the House passed over several amendments to get to Amendment No. 73 by Ways and Means Committee chairman Dan Cooper, which mandated that South Carolina would take the entirety of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act money, which had earlier passed Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Gov. Mark Sanford gained an inordinate amount of television time going back and forth as to whether South Carolina would accept the money, but the proviso in the budget made that fact so, at least as far as the House was concerned. Before the budget reached the House floor, the decision to accept the money had already been decided, and the money spread among applicable programs.

Minority Leader Harry Ott raised his issue, which had been raised in subcommittee and committee, that he thought the way the distribution of the money had been distributed wasn’t right. It came out that staff from Ways and Means had discussed the act with staff from U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s office, and decided how much could be spent, and where it could be spent. Ott believed that a staff member had misinterpreted the language in the act.

“We believe, to the best of our knowledge, at this time, that we are perfectly correct in our interpretation,” Cooper said.

The amendment passed 108-8.

The House will return to session at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, and will most likely continue on its marathon session until late in the evening.

Monday’s budget debate included the longest House session of the year, so far. And, it was tweeted.

dphamilton: starting budget week in the SC House today…hang on to your wallets!

EBedingfield: Well, at least we are moving slowly thru this budget mess.

SCLegislator: The pigeons were more interesting than this.

SCHouseDems: Democrats budget agenda: job creation, public education, healthcare. We oppose GOP tax increase on local government under any circumstance.

AshleySHunter: listening to the House pass over every section of the budget. we will be here forever.

SCHouseDems: GOP leader Rep. Kenny Bingham introduces a new ‘fee’ collected by the Dept. of Insurance to increase revenue = Another tax increase by GOP.

AntonJGunn: In the middle of budget process and it feels like I’m in a Seder. They are “passing over” every section of the budget.

SCLegislator: @NathanBallentin The best part of this Twitting is not having to pay attention. (Can you see me waving at you?)

thadviers: at caucus luncheon sitting with the right wing conspiracy members Haley, ballentine, beningfield, Pitts and a few others.

RepJamesSmith: is working hard to make sure the State Appropriations Bill focuses on Jobs Education and Healthcare.

EBedingfield: Here we go again on the budget.

EBedingfield: Why would anyone want to take monies away from abstinence education in SC?

paigecoop: @EBedingfield Because it has been shown that abstinence programs aren’t effective

paigecoop: @EBedingfield. Prime example Sarah Palin’s little princess Bristol

tdkelly: @EBedingfield hmm, let me see. Maybe so that money could go to something that’s actually proven effective?

JoeyMillwood: Question whether or not to take stimulus money on the board in an amendment. Any input?

JoeyMillwood: Stimulus money will be used.

LinBennett: @JoeyMillwood My understanding 95% by-passes SC leg anyway and goes straight to munis and counties? Is that the case? #sctweets #tcot

JoeyMillwood: There were nine of us that voted against stimulus.

dphamilton: Vote for SC to accept “budget stabilization” federal stimulus money passes 108-8. Puts off for tomorrow what should be done today.

gcoats84: @JoeyMillwood wow, keep up the good work, please tell me it was a roll call vote

annephutto: back on the floor for the budget debate

JoeyMillwood: @gcoats Thanks man. It was a roll call.

JoeyMillwood: @dphamilton. I can’t count. Eight voted against taking stimulus dollars.

johnroconnor: S.C. Budget update: About 200 amendments have been drafted, not all on the desk. May not be as long a week as many thought.

EBedingfield: I was one of 8 who voted agianst the Obama debt.

johnroconnor: Just two amendments in K-12 education section of budget. This will be a short week.

KrisCrawford: The attempt to vote against the stimulus money before taking the stimulus money failed. Only 8 voted against taking the money.

KrisCrawford: going to be a long week it looks like. The AV component of ammendment presentatiions seems to be catching on.

tdkelly: @EBedingfield gosh I hope none of that tainted money gets spent in your district.

JoeyMillwood: @gcoats84 I also said thanks earlier for the support.

ccslick: Kudos to u 8 4 being responsible! @ebedingfield, @dphamilton, G.Smith, Nanney, @thadviers, Stewart, @nathanballentin, @joeymillwood

johnroconnor: The John De La Howe school does not get $600k for a new roof. 60-56 tabled.

johnroconnor: Rep. Harry Ott argues budget violates federal stimulus rules because it does not roll back EIA formula cuts from current budget.

SCHouseDems: GOP Rep Millwood Smith Ballentine Bedingfield Hamilton Viers Stewart Nanney vote against accepting Stimulus money. Bet theyll spend it tho!

ccslick: @SCHouseDems They voted against it on principle. I am very proud of their votes and for standing up for what they believe in and know to

johnroconnor: Rep. Dan Cooper says S.C. education spending exceeds federal stimulus spending requirements by .6 percentage points.

johnroconnor: John De La Howe school receives $270k for roof repairs.

AntonJGunn: is looking for earmarks in the state budget. Found some already.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn The Obama camp knows nothing about earmarks, correct?

dphamilton: @AntonJGunn spill those earmarks, lets expose them.

johnroconnor: No amendments in Medicaid section of budget. Done with USC system, higher ed as well. Moving right along.

JoeyMillwood: House plowing through the budget.

adampiper: @JoeyMillwood I think y’all are using a ben tillman era mule powered plow for the budget instead of one of those john deere kinds.

dphamilton: amendments to the budget offered by Democrats today already total over $67 million and counting.

thadviers: i have 5 amds for budget. all are taxpayer friendly that cuts government.

johnroconnor: Rep. Hosey 0 for $42 million on Allendale/Barnwell budget requests. Just gave the “ain’t too proud to beg” speech. #sctweets

adampiper: Democrats trying to turn State Budget into a sluggish spending spree – some things are the same in SC and DC. #sctweets

yvonnewenger: Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, tries to get $250,000 in budget amendment for Charles Webb Center’s developmentally disabled children.

adampiper: @dphamilton – great question on the floor regarding all children matter – born and unborn. #sctweets

dphamilton: An article about one of the reasons I voted to not take the federal stimulus in SC: http://bit.ly/fXgbk

johnroconnor: House refuses to reduce funding for abstinence-based sex ed programs. #sctweets

dphamilton: word on the House floor is that we’ll be in tonight until 10:00 PM. Glad I brought some snacks.

AntonJGunn: @dphamilton Yes these amendments are changes to the budget bot NOT ONE of them is a “tax increase” or a “fee increase”. Don’t confuse people

johnroconnor: Transparency advocates are not requesting roll call votes on budget sections, though they wanted one for each of 90 sections. #sctweets

AshleySHunter: just found out budget is going till 10 pm. nooooo…. but on a bright note, abstinence works when you are abstinent.

JoeyMillwood: Dems keep putting up amendments that want to spend money, money, money!

JoeyMillwood: Rep. John King’s amendment the latest to fail.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood There you go again twisting the truth. It wasn’t Dems that voted to spend $350 million of the recovery package in W&Ms.

SCLegislator: @AntonJGunn Til 10:00??? Why didn’t anybody tell me that?

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn It was the Dems and I voted against the stimulus, my good man.

JoeyMillwood: Dems keep asking for more money and more money.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood Yeah I know you voted against the recovery but this entire proposed budget before amendments was a GOP bill. All $5.6B of it.

JoeyMillwood: @dphamilton @ebedingfield @thadviers @nathanballentin I don’t think @antongunn realizes that the majority of the Twitter caucus stood firm.

adampiper: #sctweets – Bill Sandifer exchange re: Mark Sanford might be today’s highlight: GOP St. Rep. has not talked w. GOP Gov in 18 mos.

ShannonErickson: Amndmt #170, now-rolling along! Special thanks to Rep. Joan Brady for the red/white/blue cookies-note says “let’s not fight over the crumbs”

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn We’ll never get there with Dems trying to spend all the taxpayer dollars.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood I know what you did, but I am watching to see if you’ll vote against the final budget w/ the recovery money in it. :-) Scared?

AshleySHunter: maybe the twitter reps can ask them to cut the air back. i know there is a lot of hot air down there, but its freezing in the gallery!!!

adampiper: Gary Simril asks #schouse to help @HenryMcMaster fight the water wars. #sctweets

adampiper: @JoeyMillwood @dphamilton @ebedingfield @thadviers @nathanballentin @antongun- Please help @HenryMcMaster w. the Water Wars #sctweets

SCLegislator: Some of my colleagues need to trim ear hair.

JoeyMillwood: Rep. Hosey just pulled down lots of amendments to applause.

adampiper: @NathanBallentin Thanks for helping give @HenryMcMaster a supersoaker to blast NC in the water war.

AntonJGunn: @adampiper You know I meant “can”! “Yes We Can” protect our water supply. I got your back on this!

thadviers: hanging with rutherford, Thompson and Lowe in the anti-lobby of the statehouse.

adampiper: @thadviers is that the anti-lobby or the ante-lobby

JoeyMillwood: Reps. Ott and Kennedy trying to put on a show on the house floor. The Dems end up talking to each other more than republicans.

adampiper: SC Reps and Kennedy should move their sideshow to the lobby and let the House take up real business #sctweets

adampiper: @ebedingfield – can you ask Mr. Ott if he has a fancy GPS unit – since he accused only the Rich Republicans of having one

EBedingfield: Part 1B’s of the SC Budget. The where and how!

johnroconnor: House finished with first section of budget. About 1/3 through, according to no. of amendments. #sctweets

annephutto: Rep. James Smith fighting for National Board Certified Teachers – go Rep. Smith

RepJamesSmith: is pleased the House took bi-partisan action and restored National Board Teacher Certification.

AshleySHunter: according to bakari sellers- sanford has read one book- the earth is flat.

AntonJGunn: its 7:16pm and we are just starting to get to the meat of how your tax dollars will be spent.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn Your computer time is wrong. It’s actually 8:18.

AntonJGunn: @JonJon66 @JoeyMillwood yes my state government computer is so old that it doesn’t keep up with the time changes.

JoeyMillwood: Still going on the budget. Debating education now. Rep. Ott is talking about redistribution of wealth within a school district.

dphamilton: finally a Democrat admits they are for redistribution, thank you Rep. Ott. “I’ll be blunt, this is about redistribution.” –Rep. Harry Ott

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood “waving my finger at you” – there is no conversation about “redistribution of wealth”. He’s talking about backpacking funding.

AntonJGunn: Backpacking is a positon that is supported by the Ed Finance Study Committee and the SC Policy Council.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn Rep. Ott said the he was talking about “redistribution.” What are you upset about? That’s all Obama talks about.

rpagesc: @dphamilton Are they spreading the wealth around? It scares me when you all are in session late in the evening.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood That’s not all that Obama talks about. Never heard him use the word. If you vote for the budget you support redistribution too

PhilBaileySC: @JoeyMillwood Will you be voting for final passage with all that stimulus money?

AntonJGunn: I need to bring a dictionary to the House floor. There is so much selective language usage in here.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn No…He just passes the biggest spending bill in history.

PhilBaileySC: @JoeyMillwood Joey, please vote for it so I can pass your recorded vote onto the Club For Growth (aka your campaign funders)

dphamilton: @rpagesc don’t worry, we took extra vitamins today and we’re keeping a vigilant eye on things…they’re trying to increase weighting

WolfeReports: When Kennedy gets worked up, you just have to watch. Better than television.

dphamilton: @rpagesc they have an amendment to add on a weighting for poverty in EFA funding.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood No he didn’t. Congress did that. Reflect on your High School government class. Congress passes, Presidents sign on veto.

dphamilton: @WolfeReports it is if you have a mute button….don’t know if it comes across on TV/web but he is very loud in the Chamber.

johnroconnor: S.C. Budget debate is now on adding more funding for poorer school students.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood By the way, its still less than what the previous administration spent on wars in other countries.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn Oh excuse me.Obama and the Democrats in Congress passed the biggest mistake in U.S. Gov’t history. You’re making it easy for me.

dphamilton: alright, @JoeyMillwood & @AntonJGunn, break it up fellas.

johnroconnor: Someone’s got Thursday basketball tix if we’re debating school funding formulas at 9 p.m. Monday of budget week.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood Nope. The biggest mistake was Iraq. That mistake has cost us lives and money.

SCHouseDems: @shannonerickson Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran- Rob Miller- is watching these budget votes…

paigecoop: @dphamilton Please don’t break it up, some of us at home are enjoying the @JoeyMillwood VS @AntonJGunn prize fight.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn I guess if you don’t think the rest of the world deserves democracy and freedom from a terrible dictator, you may be right.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn What would Jack Bauer Do?

WolfeReports: @JoeyMillwood That is a very simplistic argument. We coddle dictators all the time, when it serves national interests.

WolfeReports: One more hour left in debate? Should order pizza, mix a drink and celebrate.

PhilBaileySC: @ashmanini It’s cool. @JoeyMillwood is too busy “growing government” right now. He could be very “stimulated” so look out.

AshleySHunter: wants to go home!

ashmanini: @philbaileysc LoL. I am enjoing the lively debate on twitter

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood No I think everyone deserves freedom and democracy. I don’t agree that’s what they have in Iraq.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn That will definitely be true when Pres. Obama withdraws our troops.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood Oh yeah, Bauer would not invade Iraq. He would defend and protect Americans on U.S. soil.

dphamilton: @AntonJGunn & @JoeyMillwood — Just to clarify guys, Jack Bauer is a fictional character.

PhilBaileySC: SC House GOP members to Dem House member’s questions: “I can answer your questions with bullshit and the amendment will still pass.”

JoeyMillwood: @dphamilton Yes…But Bauer is the man. He’s what we should all strive to be. lol.

JoeyMillwood: is tired and happy he didn’t forget his pillow at home.

JoeyMillwood: It looks like we may be winding down.

AntonJGunn: @JoeyMillwood The Millwood Motto: Special Pillows and Special Food makes me Happy.

JoeyMillwood: @antonjgunn hahahaha. For everyone following on sctweets, @antonjgunn and I are friends and agree on Lost and 24 and the greatness they are.

EBedingfield: Binding future GA’s in SC to spend money we won’t have. Is that a good thing? I think not!

dphamilton: @AntonJGunn Ha Ha, now that’s funny.

AntonJGunn: @dphamilton Jack Bauer is real. The House of Representatives is in fantasyland.

PhilBaileySC: Look at @JoeyMillwood spending all that government money. Bravo.

AntonJGunn: Its 10:10pm and we are just now approaching the end of section 1 of 90 sections of the State Budget.

johnroconnor: House wrapping up day’s work. More done on first budget day this year than my previous three sessions. About 40% of amendments.

JoeyMillwood: We have adjourned. Will pick back up at 930 a.m.

An irregular commentary.

Early this week, one bill came under attack in the S.C. blogosphere, days after it passed in the House. The “Farm-to-School” bill, chief sponsored by Ways and Means Committee chairman Dan Cooper, drew ire from a couple of blogs, for the simple reason that it seems if something involves spending money — any money — and if it begins in a rural area, it must be bad.

The simple fact is that the bill is a great idea. I didn’t know anything about it, but, being one of the only people watching the House session as it stretched toward 8 p.m. on Feb. 26, testimony on the House floor won me over.

It is a simple idea. Get S.C. schools to buy produce from local farmers. That way, the students get nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables, for a lower cost than it would be to get them from a big agriculture state like Florida or California, and local farmers benefit from the business.

What’s so wrong with that? Sometimes, the “spending is always bad” mantra is bad, in itself. What was not addressed in either post was that the state will actually recoup its investment, plus some. So, the bill is an all-around smart move. Maybe that is why it passed with a nearly-unanimous vote.

TUESDAY
HOUSE
Reported out of committee favorably

• H. 3509, by Rep. Mike Pitts, to affirm the rights of all states, including South Carolina, under the 9th and 10th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Sent back to the Senate

• S. 428, by Sen. Larry Martin, memorializing Congress to make permanent the E-Verify program.

Ordered to third reading

• H. 3342, by Rep. Greg Delleney, the born alive bill.

SENATE
Introduced

• S. 460, by Sen. Gerald Malloy, a resolution congratulating Jordan Lyles of Hartsville on being selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Houston Astros.
• S. 470, by Sen. Ronnie Cromer, to specify fees for recreational saltwater fishing licenses.
• H. 3352, by Rep. Dan Cooper, the school district spending flexibility bill.

Quotes
Unidentified legislator: (whispering) Going to Mardi Gras?

===

Debate on H. 3187
Minority Leader Harry Ott: Mr. Bales, now you telling me that if I go and cut somebody’s grass, and that person wants to sell his property, I can take out a mechanic’s lien on a hundred-acre farm just because I haven’t paid to get my lawn cut?
Rep. Jimmy Bales: It’s for contractual landscaping…
Ott: It’s for what?
Bales: Contractual landscaping services over $15,000. I don’t think you’d get that much to mow the yard. (laughter from the chamber)
Ott: I probably wouldn’t qualify for $15,000 to cut the grass. Thank you, Mr. Bales.

===

Rep. Grady Brown: I’ve been doing this every Tuesday, Mr. Speaker, but we remind you we’re still trying to promote beach music on Tuesday nights at Rust in the Vista. If you have time, if you want to hear some good music, drop by. Right behind the Motor Supply restaurant. Thank you.
Unidentified legislator: I don’t think so.

WEDNESDAY
HOUSE
Introduction

• H. 3614, by Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, to restructure state government by removing the adjutant general, commissioner of agriculture, secretary of state and superintendent of education from the constitutionally-mandated list of elected officials and that those offices should be appointed by the governor with the advise and consent of the General Assembly.
• H. 3613, by Rep. Bruce Bannister, a concurrent resolution urging the promotion of curling as the official winter Olympic sport of South Carolina, and to appoint a representative of the state to investigate the designation of curing as the official winter Olympic sport of South Carolina. Adopted and sent to the Senate.

THURSDAY
HOUSE
Introduction

• H. 3629, by Rep. David Umphlett, legalizing raffles run by charitable organizations.

Second reading

• H. 3067, by Rep. Alan Clemmons, eliminating fusion voting. Amended and ordered to third reading.
• H. 3042, by Rep. Jimmy Merrill, legalizing mixed martial arts combat. Ordered to third reading.

Third reading

• H. 3245, by Rep. Delleney, mandating a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can obtain an abortion. Sent to the Senate
• H. 3342, by Rep. Delleney, the born alive bill. Sent to the Senate.

SENATE
Reported out of committee favorably

• S. 110, by Sen. Malloy, allowing the sale of lottery tickets on primary and general election days.

Third reading

• S. 12, by Sen. Hugh Leatherman, the Tax Realignment Commission bill. Sent to the House.

Quotes
Harrell: While I have got your attention for just a moment, the Minority Leader and the Majority Leader have agreed to order pizzas, so there will be pizza in the back in the back for lunch, so we won’t be breaking for lunch. When it gets here in an hour or so, go enjoy or order something else.

===

Rep. Ken Kennedy: Do you think that the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States frightened these people to death in South Carolina?
Rep. Bakari Sellers: Well, I don’t know, but I did hear Thad Viers is going to try to sponsor a bill to secede from the Union.
Kennedy: Oh my God!

===

Ott: Mr. Smith, does this apply to bridges that are currently under construction, and have already been chosen for a name, kind of like the Bob Harrell Bridge in Charleston? Last I checked, he wasn’t dead yet.
Rep. James Smith: It’s all about, if the bridge is not done, and not grandfathered in…
(Talking over each other)
Smith: I wonder if Rep. Nanney took that out…
Ott: I don’t know if she got preclearance on that or not.
Smith: That’s a good question, though. If this bill becomes law before that is built, I’d say our good friend, and colleague and Speaker’s dad would be out of a bridge, at least for some time.

===

Ott: Mixed martial arts — is that what we’ve been going through the past eight hours?
Rep. Bill Sandifer: I think you’re right.

===

Merrill: Mr. Sandifer, did you realize that everybody was kung-fu fighting?
Sandifer: I think that’s what Mr. Ott was referring to a moment ago.
Merrill: And, did you realize those cats were fast as lightning?
Sandifer: Now, I doubt Mr. Ott is.
Merrill: And sir, you probably didn’t know, it was a little bit frightening.

===

Rep. Walt McLeod: Good evening ladies, I regret to inform you that I am very tired of my own voice.
…
If anybody goes up I-26 at exit 85, just tip your hat — that’s where I live. If you ever have a flat tire along there, call me and we’ll come rescue you. We might even bring the fire truck.
…
So, I want you to drive carefully going home tonight. Be advised, don’t have a drink of beer, wine or booze on the way. Because, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has got (unintelligible). Whenever a legislator takes a drink of booze on a Thursday, it activates itself, and if you (unintelligible) before you do!
Harrell: Mr. McLeod, you must keep your remarks pertinent to the bill, please. (laughter from the chamber)
McLeod: Thank you very much. This bill, about which we speak…I’ve forgotten! (laughter from the chamber)
Harrell: Mr. Ott, for what purpose do you rise? Mr. McLeod, Mr. Ott would like to help you with a question, probably phrased something like, “Did you know this bill was bill number such and such.” Mr. Ott is recognized for a question.
Ott: Mr. McLeod, do you know what mixed martial arts is? Do you know what it does?
McLeod: I’ve been studying that for some time, and I don’t have any conclusions as of yet.
Ott: Well, Mr. McLeod, do you know what boxing is?
McLeod: I was a professional boxer in my earlier life.
Ott: My goodness, I didn’t know. What was your record?
McLeod: You want to fight?
Ott: No sir! (extended laughter from the chamber)