TUESDAY
HOUSE
Adopted
- H. 4358, by Rep. Bill Herbkersman, to memorialize Congress for fair treatment of U.S. Navy Seals.
Debate adjourned
- S. 424, by Sen. Lee Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments.
SENATE
Amended, passed on second reading
- 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.
Third reading
- 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.
WEDNESDAY
HOUSE
Introductions
- S. 517, by 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.
Debate adjourned
- H. 3279, 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 secretary of state from the number of constitutional officers on the ballot.
- S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments. The bill was amended before debate adjourned.
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. The bill failed by one vote.
SENATE
Reported out of committee favorably
- S. 590, by Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler, regarding petition candidates.
- S. 900 and S. 901, by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, to provide permanent security for the governor and lieutenant governor, and provide a specific rule for the chain of command.
- S. 1085, by Leatherman, to increase from three to five percent the amount of revenue deposited into the General Reserve Fund.
- H. 3231, by Rep. Ted Pitts, to have the governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket.
Third reading
- S. 1034, by Leatherman, to extend until Nov. 15, 2010 the deadline by which the Taxation Realignment Commission should submit its report and recommendations.
Debate interrupted
- H. 3418, by Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, on voter ID.
THURSDAY
HOUSE
Introductions
- H. 4451, by Rep. Dennis Moss, to ban liquor sales statewide not just to include Election Day and Sundays, but Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
- H. 4457, by Rep. Bill Bowers, to prevent private emails of public officials from being subjected to FOIA requests.
- H. 4468, by Rep. Michael Thompson, six words: South Carolina Study Committee Study Committee.
- S. 1034, by Leatherman, to extend until Nov. 15, 2010 the deadline by which the Taxation Realignment Commission should submit its report and recommendations.
- H. 4455, by Rep. Mike Pitts, (OK, we have to print this in its entirety) A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO WITHDRAW THE UNITED STATES FROM THE SECURITY AND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH AMERICA AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITY THAT SEEKS TO CREATE A NORTH AMERICAN UNION, AND REQUESTING THE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION OF EACH STATE INCLUDING SOUTH CAROLINA TO WORK TO WITHDRAW THE UNITED STATES FROM THE SECURITY AND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH AMERICA AND ANY OTHER ACTIVITY THAT SEEKS TO CREATE A NORTH AMERICAN UNION. (Lordy, can you believe these people? In what weird freako world does the U.S., Canada and Mexico form one government except in scifi books and the fringe of the fringe of American politics?)
- H. 4475, 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.
- H. 4478, by Harrell, the, for all intents and purposes, House jobs bill.
Debate adjourned
- S. 424, by Bright, relating to the rights of South Carolinians under the Ninth and 10th Amendments. Democrats went to town proposing amendments to the bill, which ran on for some time.
SENATE
Amended, passed on second reading
- S. 590, by Peeler, regarding petition candidates.
- H. 3418, by Harrell, on voter ID.
Second reading
- S. 1, by McConnell, a constitutional amendment generally imposing spending caps and the like.
Third reading
- S. 766, by Sen. Thomas Alexander, banning novelty lighters.
Carried over, as amended
- S. 1085, by Leatherman, to increase from three to five percent the amount of revenue deposited into the General Reserve Fund.
- H. 3396, by Harrell, to increase from three to five percent the amount of revenue deposited into the General Reserve Fund.
QUOTES
Harrell: Ms. Funderburk is recognized for a…oh, I’m sorry. Are you up? Ms. Funderburk is recognized. Are you joining her, Mr. Gunn?
Rep. Anton Gunn: I am.
Harrell: With her wingman, Mr. Gunn.
===
On the resolution suggesting protection of U.S. Navy Seals.
Harrell: Mr. Kennedy, for what purpose do you rise?
You would like to ask me a question?
Rep. Ken Kennedy: Who is introducing the resolution?
Harrell: Mr. Herbkersman introduced it. There’s no one at the podium who wishes to take a question right now.
Kennedy: Are they being abused or something? Why are we introducing it?
Harrell: Mr. Kennedy, you have to…you can adjourn debate….
Kennedy: I adjourn debate until he can tell me why we are introducing it.
The motion was withdrawn.
===
During debate on the state sovereignty bill.
Harrell: Mr. Kennedy, it’s a concurrent resolution. You don’t request debate on it.
Kennedy: Well, how can we…? Let’s stop it.
Harrell: Mr. Kennedy says, “Let’s stop it.” I’m not sure of that motion, Mr. Kennedy.
===
Rep. Walt McLeod: The concept of an armed South Carolina militia is a concept already contained in the Constitution. This amendment – Mr. Bedingfield and I are good friends; sometimes we have a difference of opinion. The amendment speaks about armed South Carolinians. It says absolutely nothing about the militia. We need to be careful about having “armed South Carolinians.”
===
Rep. Bakari Sellers: My question to you is, when will the Republican Party get serious about anything other than themselves?
McLeod: I don’t think I want to answer that one, but I compliment you for trying.
===
Kennedy: Are you aware that what they are trying to do is arm every South Carolinian? Get every South Carolinian with a gun, so that when a job does come open, they can battle over it. Do you see that coming?
McLeod: I know I have a shotgun, which I use for hunting purposes. I’m really not interested in being denominated as an “armed South Carolinian.”
===
Kennedy: Wouldn’t you think the people who are watching this over television out there, in South Carolina, watching this debate, wouldn’t you think that they think we are nuts up here?
McLeod: I would think it would create an unfavorable impression.
Kennedy: Nuts.
McLeod: I don’t think I would agree with that word, but perhaps close to it.
Kennedy: Why won’t you use the word, “nuts?” It’s in the dictionary. Nuts. Wouldn’t you think that we are nuts up here?
===
Sen. Phil Leventis: Here we are, in a budget crisis, and we cannot get accounting out of the Department of Corrections, and the Governor is the only one who can take action to change this, and the Governor is quiet. This governor can’t be about accountability, he can’t be about transparency, because he is protecting his agency heads – this one in particular at the Department of Corrections – from any accounting or transparency with this legislature.
===
Thompson: Did you know that sometimes, I feel like putting a sign outside the House chamber that says, “Go sell crazy elsewhere – we’re all full.”
===
Sellers: Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that we make Devan Downey the governor of South Carolina.
Harrell: Mr. Sellers asks unanimous consent that we make Devan Downey the next Republican governor from South Carolina.
Mr. Sellers objects.
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.
If you thought the Taxation Realignment Commission was be-all and end-all of tax reform for the 2009-2010 legislative session, you would be wrong. It gets much more complicated than that. It’ll be interesting if any of these bills get out committee before the TRAC panel returns to the General Assembly with its recommendations in March.
S. 902: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 34 IN TITLE 12 SO AS TO ENACT THE “SOUTH CAROLINA FAIR TAX ACT”, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011, AND TO REPEAL, EFFECTIVE AT THE SAME TIME, CHAPTERS 6, 8, 11, 13, 16, AND 36, ALL OF TITLE 12, RELATING RESPECTIVELY TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT, INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING, THE INCOME TAX ON BANKS AND SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, THE SOUTH CAROLINA ESTATE TAX ACT, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA SALES TAX ACT.
This bill is sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, and the TRAC panel is supposed to take a long, hard look at the Fair Tax. Whether or not it will suggest it is up for debate, which is probably why McConnell proposed this legislation to begin with.
Sen. Hugh Leatherman, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is seeking to get more information on spending. His bill deals with having the state’s chief economist submit a report that accurately reflects the anticipated revenue.
S. 905: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-71 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TAX BILLS AND REVENUE IMPACT STATEMENTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE IMPACT STATEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 2-7-78, RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF A REVENUE ESTIMATE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE REVENUE IMPACT MUST BE CERTIFIED BY THE CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND STATISTICS.
It should come as no surprise that Mr. Tea Party, Sen. Larry Grooms, as advocating for the Fair Tax as well. It seems, however, that there are a lot of allowances and twists and turns. Often, we’ve seen that whenever a “simplified tax code” is proposed, it’s never all that simple. Lo, and behold.
S. 942: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 12 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO TAXATION, BY ENACTING THE PALMETTO FAIR TAX ACT; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX ACT; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 8, TITLE 12, RELATING TO INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 11, TITLE 12, RELATING TO INCOME TAX ON BANKS; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 13, TITLE 12, RELATING TO INCOME TAX ON BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 16, TITLE 12, RELATING TO THE ESTATE TAX; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 36, TITLE 12, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA SALES AND USE TAX; TO ADD CHAPTER 1 TO TITLE 12, BY ADDING ARTICLE 1 TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO PROVIDE FOR A ___ PERCENT TAX ON THE GROSS RETAIL SALES AND USE OF GOODS AND SERVICES, BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 TO ESTABLISH THE FAMILY CONSUMPTION ALLOWANCE, THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR THE ALLOWANCE, THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ALLOWANCE IS CALCULATED, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ALLOWANCE IS DISTRIBUTED, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4 TO PROVIDE FOR CREDITS, REFUNDS, AND EXEMPTIONS FROM THE TAX IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 1, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO REQUIRE RETAILER TO OBTAIN A LICENSE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE OBLIGATIONS OF LICENSEES, AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 6 TO PROVIDE FOR GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF TAXES IMPOSED BY THIS CHAPTER, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDE FOR THE EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 11-11-155 AND 11-11-156.
OK. Um, what the fuck is up with this one? Sen. Kevin Bryant has submitted a bill that will allow South Carolinians to give extra tax money to the general fund, but the dollars would have to be put up for a specific purpose. We can see the thinking now: “Wow. This is just too goddamn weird. Let’s bury that thing in subcommittee.”
S. 968: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 6, TITLE 12 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA INCOME TAX, BY ADDING SECTION 12-6-5062, TO PROVIDE THAT TAXPAYERS MAY MAKE VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE STATE, TO PROVIDE THAT INCOME TAX FORMS MUST CONTAIN A DESIGNATION FOR THE CONTRIBUTION, TO PROVIDE THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THE INCOME TAX FORM MUST CONTAIN AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THE ADDITIONAL PAYMENT WILL BE USED, AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT THE AMOUNT COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
It seems that the tipping point in the restructuring of the S.C. state government has happened, and with a vengeance. If a number of these bills pass and go into law, the way South Carolina does business from here on out will change dramatically. Hopefully, it will be for the better. A goodly amount of the legislation comes with Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell as the chief sponsor, which means they will blow through committee and likely sail through the Senate, at the very least.
Taking control of fixing the the complicated mess of state administration appears to be McConnell’s main concern in 2010.
S. 897: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE COMMISSION ON STREAMLINING GOVERNMENT AND REDUCTION OF WASTE AND PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR THE SUBMISSION, CONSIDERATION, APPROVAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR STAFF SUPPORT AND FINANCES FOR THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR COOPERATION WITH AND SUPPORT FOR THE COMMISSION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ITS TERMINATION.
This bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Hugh Leatherman and Harvey Peeler, which means it’s basically signed, sealed and ready to go already. As we’ve seen with the city government in Columbia, lack of oversight and proper addressing of waste will screw everyone over. If state government can be slimmed down, service duplication eliminated and outdated programs eliminated, we may well be on the way to sessions where worrying over million-dollar revenue shortfalls won’t cause major issues.
S. 898: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 11-11-85 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR A ZERO BASE BUDGET PROCESS BEGINNING WITH FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011.
This bill is also co-sponsored by Peeler, which means it’s also good to go at least as far as the Senate is concerned. As well, it well-compliments the previous measure. Now, all state agencies won’t be up for zero-based budgeting at the same time (there are four groups that will rotate — like the BCS!), but it’s a start. Our parents have worked in state agencies, so we’ve seen foolish decisions made with the best of intentions. For instance, agencies spending bank at the end of the fiscal year to justify at the very least the same funding as the previous year. That’s a horrible way to run a government, and zero-based budgeting seeks to end such things.
S. 899: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, BY ADDING SECTION 37, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE SENATE MUST ELECT FROM AMONG ITS MEMBERS A PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE TO PRESIDE OVER THE SENATE AND TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS PROVIDED BY LAW; PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 8, ARTICLE IV, RELATING TO THE ELECTION, QUALIFICATIONS, AND TERM OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE JOINT ELECTION OF THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR; PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV, RELATING TO THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE, SO AS TO DELETE SECTION 9, WHICH PROVIDES THAT THE SENATE MUST CHOOSE A PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE AND WHICH ALSO PROVIDES THAT A MEMBER OF THE SENATE ACTING AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VACATES HIS SEAT AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ELECTED IN HIS STEAD; PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV, RELATING TO THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, BY DELETING SECTION 10, WHICH PROVIDES THAT THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 12, ARTICLE IV, RELATING TO THE DISABILITY OF THE GOVERNOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IF BOTH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE STATE TREASURER TRANSMIT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A WRITTEN DECLARATION THAT THE GOVERNOR IS UNABLE TO DISCHARGE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF HIS OFFICE, THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MUST ASSUME THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE AS ACTING GOVERNOR.
Oh, Gov. Mark Sanford. What hell you hath wrought. This is the beginning of the bills dealing with the Sanford fallout, and is also chief-sponsored by McConnell. It’s as close as an omnibus rewriting of the lieutenant governor’s duties as we’ve ever seen. It never made much sense for the lieutenant governor to preside over the S.C. Senate, as it doesn’t for the vice president to have the same duties in the U.S. Senate. Having a senator actually be president of the Senate only makes sense. It’s amazing that this hasn’t been fixed years ago.
S. 900: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-16, SO AS TO MANDATE THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION PROVIDE SECURITY AND PROTECTION FOR THE GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, WHICH MUST NOT BE DECLINED.
More Sanford fallout. Of course, the Lothario-in-Chief has always wanted to shirk his SLED protection, and definitely did so when he want on his Argentinean rendezvous. Sen. Jake Knotts signed on as a co-sponsor.
S. 901: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-3-630, SO AS TO DEFINE “EMERGENCY,” “FULL AUTHORITY,” AND “TEMPORARY ABSENCE” IN ORDER TO CLARIFY WHEN A LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HAS THE FULL AUTHORITY TO ACT IN AN EMERGENCY IN THE EVENT OF THE TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF THE GOVERNOR FROM THE STATE.
SANFORD! It’s fairly obvious at this point that McConnell got fed up with the mess the state government is in, and is working to make sure we never get back here.
S. 907: A BILL TO REPEAL ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 61, TITLE 44 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
This bill is a Peeler effort, to address the mess with the EMS. Efforts to keep people’s medical records private went too far, and has led to issues with proper emergency medical service. The bill is written to fix that.
S. 947: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO IMPEACHMENT OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, BY ADDING SECTION 4 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR RECALLING AND REMOVING FROM PUBLIC OFFICE PERSONS HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICES OF THE STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS; AND PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII, BY ADDING SECTION 15 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE FOR THE ENACTMENT OR REPEAL OF LAWS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BY INITIATIVE PETITION AND REFERENDUM AND TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS.
Yet more Sanford-inspired legislation. This comes from Sens. Larry Grooms and Kevin Bryant. While former The State editorial page editor Brad Warthen may despise progressive election reforms, we like the Western idea: give the electorate the option for recall and initiatives. If you don’t trust the voters to do that, you might as well not trust them to vote in elections, either. Southern states (and Northern ones, for that matter), have been way too late to the party on these ideas.
And, this is the only time we’re going to say this, but you legislators need to get together and talk this shit out. There are a number of different proposals that had the same legislation introduced. It’s not unusual to have basically the same bill go into the House and the Senate, but to have the same proposal put in a number of times into the same chamber is silly. Sen. Mike Rose, you’re next up on the recall boat.
S. 995: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO IMPEACHMENT OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, BY ADDING SECTION 4 TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR RECALLING AND REMOVING FROM PUBLIC OFFICE PERSONS HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICES OF THE STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
And, look, Rose is for introducing the chance for initiatives, too.
S. 1002: A JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, BY ADDING SECTION 15, TO PERMIT THE ENACTMENT OF LAWS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BY INITIATIVE PETITION.
Don’t totally knock him, though, because Rose does have an idea that wasn’t previously filed. He’s filed a bill that will set South Carolina on a biennial budget and a biennial session, like Virginia. Maybe he doesn’t know, but when the legislature is in session in the Old Dominion, it’s fucking in session. Legislators have no lives for a number of weeks. Neither do the civil servants that do their grunt work. It’s a bastard. And, Columbia doesn’t have the badass bars and diners that make Richmond an OK place to stay up for three months straight every two years.
S. 1003: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE III OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION, 1895, RELATING TO SESSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO PROVIDE FOR THE BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TO PROVIDE FOR A SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT DATE, TO PROVIDE THE MEANS AND THE LIMIT TO WHICH THE SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT DATE MAY BE EXTENDED, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONVENING OF THE FIRST BIENNIAL SESSION.
Few events have caused more celebration in the Palmetto State recently than the announcement today that South Carolina took part of Boeing’s operation from Washington. Between labor strife with the International Association of Machinists and a solid proposal from S.C. lawmakers, the multinational company decided to put its manufacturing facility for the 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston.
There will be an initial 3,800 jobs, but with suppliers and other tertiary business, around 12,000 jobs are expected.
“Establishing a second 787 assembly line in Charleston will expand our production capability to meet the market demand for the airplane,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh said in a statement. “This decision allows us to continue building on the synergies we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica.”
He added, “The 787 will provide airlines with unprecedented operating economics and efficiencies. It also will take passengers where they want to go, when they want to go, and do it more comfortably and affordably than ever before. This airplane will allow us to continue to set the standard for commercial aviation in the second century of flight.”
When the announcement was made in the Senate on Wednesday, several minutes after 5 p.m., there was a standing ovation and in both chambers, lapel pins of a palmetto tree with wings were handed out.
“This is a real achievement for all South Carolina. All of us, senators, under the leadership of Speaker [Bobby] Harrell and Sen. [Glenn] McConnell, worked together to make it happen in record time,” Sen. Hugh Leatherman said. “Legislators from every part of the state, Democrat and Republican, pulled together for the good of the people of this state. … I want to tell you one other thing. Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor – Joe, you did an outstanding job. You put your heart and soul into this. Without you and your staff…we wouldn’t be where we are and I will tell you how much we appreciate what you did.”
McConnell, who echoed Leatherman’s sentiments that it was a transformational day for the state, said the effort to land Boeing started months ago.
“I want you to know, this thing started way back in the summer,” he said. “A call from the chairman, a call from a mutual friend of ours, and we got Sen. [Larry] Grooms, Sen. [Paul] Campbell, to meet and see what we could do. And, it started out with a great meeting where we just talked around the table, ‘Is there the possibility?’ And we all decided to go to work. Commerce was out there helping in any way they could.”
There was also recognition of Leatherman’s leadership on the project.
“It’s taken a lot of just hard work. Many phone calls,” McConnell said. “But for the chairman, I have to tell you, the chairman is one of the most energetic people I have ever met. Out in Japan, he was off on a trade mission — the Chicago airport — calls from the chairman. It would be like 1:30 in the morning, in Japan, calls from the chairman. ‘Have you heard this?’ ‘What is this?’ ‘We have an email on this.’ Sen. Leatherman, I cannot thank you enough. Your grasp of financial figures is unparalleled.”
Shortly after the announcement, a number of prominent people released statements regarding their feelings on the deal.
Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell
Today’s announcement declares to the global business community that South Carolina is back in the game and open for business. We want you to come to our state.
This is a great day for South Carolina and make no doubt, marks the biggest economic development announcement our state has seen in at least a decade. I would like to thank Boeing and its board members for putting their trust and their investment in our state.
Boeing’s decision to make this considerable investment in our state couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for South Carolina. This major job creating move is exactly what our economy needs as we begin to recover from this recession. Substantially expanding their operations in South Carolina will prove to be a prosperous move, both for Boeing and for our state’s workers.
Boeing will find a welcome home here in the Palmetto State. Our state has much to offer companies looking to do business within our boarders and has made South Carolina a major player in many leading industries.
I especially want to commend Secretary Joe Taylor and his team at the Department of Commerce for the major role they played in making this announcement possible. By promoting South Carolina’s aviation technology resources, displaying our highly skilled and eager workforce and highlighting our state’s pro-business climate, the Department of Commerce proved to Boeing that South Carolina is an excellent investment.
This is precisely the type of proactive economic development strategy we need to make South Carolina more competitive in today’s global economy and it is a strategy that will help put South Carolinians back to work.
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler
Today’s announcement marks an historical occasion for the State of South Carolina and it proves what can happen when strong leaders push conservative reforms. The nation’s hardest working taxpayers, tough ‘right to work’ laws, efficient government, low taxes, and a high quality of life have given us a sturdy advantage in our goal to rebuild South Carolina’s economy and create new jobs for our working families.
Conservative ideas alone don’t create jobs. They must be pushed by strong leaders working together behind a common goal. Today’s announcement is a testament to the bipartisan leadership of Senators Glenn McConnell and Hugh Leatherman, Speaker Bobby Harrell, leadership in both the House and the Senate, and Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor.
Today South Carolina sent a strong message to the world -– we want your business and we’re committed to getting it.
And, a couple Democratic candidates for governor released quick statements, as well.
I am so excited about welcoming Boeing’s new project to South Carolina, and I am proud to have cast a vote in favor of incentives needed to make this project a reality. Landing a project like this in South Carolina shows our tremendous potential for job creation, a potential that has gone unrealized in this state for far, far too long. I believe this announcement is just a precursor of what we can achieve with a vision and hard work.
Today is a great day for South Carolina, but more importantly, for the many South Carolinians who will get new jobs from this announcement. I am proud to have played a leadership role earlier this year in assembling a bipartisan coalition in the legislature to pass legislation opening the door for Boeing’s expansion.
This development is a bright spot in what has been a disastrous eight years for South Carolina’s economy, and I would congratulate those who helped make this happen in spite of Mark Sanford’s failed leadership. With more than 250,000 South Carolinians out of work, it is a shame that announcements like this one have been so few and far between.
As South Carolina’s next Governor, I will build on the experience that I have had in helping foster business successes like this one, and I will commit myself every day to making them the rule again in our state, and not just the rare exception. I recently announced my comprehensive jobs plan for South Carolina, and I look forward to talking about my ideas and vision for improving the economy.
As the House and Senate reconvened for the extended session on Tuesday, the politico tweets started back up.
RepAlanClemmons: I’m in Columbia for start of special session. In addition to enabling unemployment comp benefit extension we may have surprises. #sctweets
RepBoydBrown: wrapping up some work, then heading to Columbia for special session
shanemassey: back in Columbia for special legislative session
LtGovAndreBauer: Special session @ noon, staff meeting, and then meeting with SC business leaders.
RepAlanClemmons: Sure works for me! RT @SCREALTORS: @RepAlanClemmons How about Point of Sale reform? That would be a nice surprise!
RepAlanClemmons: Absolutely! RT @Noodles4Nothing: @RepAlanClemmons Plz #help #unemployed workers in #America http://bit.ly/UNQeR
taftmatney: It’s a cold drive to Columbia. I can’t help wondering if we’ll feel a temperature change from any fireworks at the Statehouse today.
stevebenjaminsc: visiting with the General Assembly as they convene to address the issue of Unemployment Benefits
SpeakerHarrell: Headed over to State House to convene the SC House so we can make unemployment benefits fix
SpeakerHarrell: Again, our having to be in session today stresses the need for ESC Reform
johnroconnor: House minority leader Harry Ott asked colleagues to vote against changes to sine die and Eco devo legislation today
EBedingfield: Whips meeting over and I am now in the State House awaiting the drop of the gavel.
johnroconnor: Rep. Ott backs off previous statement, says House Dems will vote for any bill needed to bring jobs to S.C.
henrymcmaster: General Assembly’s emergency session underscores need for new era of cooperative leadership in Columbia http://bit.ly/2QKtY4 #sctweets
AntonJGunn: The House is now in session, “emergency session” that is. I’m ready to help our state. Let’s see who else is ready.
annephutto: Back on the House floor for our emergency session. Getting the unemployment compensation issue resolved — absolutely necessary for SC.
gregfoster_sc: House coming back from break now that unemployment bill set for special order…now the real work begins.
SCHouseGOP: Bill to extend unemployment benefits set for special order. House set to come back into session in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2..
johnroconnor: Text of Rep. Greg Delleney’s Sanford impeachment resolution: http://bit.ly/14RhWX
SCHouseGOP: House Majority Leader Bingham is explaining the unemployment insurance amendment on the floor: http://bit.ly/3tzMmn
AntonJGunn: Amendment to help unemployed workers in South Carolina was adopted 113-0!
SCHouseGOP: The South Carolina House approves the extension of federal unemployment benefits, 113-0.
NathanBallentin: focus so far has been on unemployment and economic developlment. Rep. Greg Delleney to introduce impeachment resolution momentarily
johnroconnor: Rep. Delleney arguing impeachment resolution can be introduced at any time
dphamilton: Historic moment: Rep. Greg Dellaney files impeachment resolution of Gov. Sanford. http://twitpic.com/n5zjg
SCHouseGOP: Glad to see so many members of the press at the back of the chamber while the House debates extending federal unemployment benefits.
annephutto: Unemployment bill was unanimously given second reading. Now we’re onto Delleney’s resolution.
johnroconnor: Rep. McLeod, a Dem, argues resolution violates sine die rules. “Good name of the SC House is at stake.”
alexstroman: Are Democrats really prepared to support not bringing up this Resolution? @johnroconnor
johnroconnor: Rep. Cobb-Hunter (D) argues against allowing impeachment resolution. “it is clear what the rules say…the time for that will come.”
JKuenzie: Gilda: Avoid “kangaroo court” on impeachment issue. Harrell: Rules prohibit introduction of impeachment measure.
RichlandCoDems: hoping that the General Assembly can address the Unemployment Benefits to help the unemployed here in Richland Co. and the state #sctweets
EBedingfield: Speaker rules Rep. Delleney’s impeachment resolution out of order.
mattheusmei: wow Gilda saves the luv Gov from impeachment today
dphamilton: @mattheusmei there was/is no vote…ruled out of order during this special session. He will have to file it later.
mattheusmei: @dphamilton so you’re undecided on how you will vote?
SCHouseGOP: House will return to session at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
PhilBaileySC: http://twitpic.com/n62gn – Sen. Hutto has added the Argentine flag to his Senate desk collection.
SamPJohnson: surprised that the House could actually take care of business today. If this happened earlier this year we wouldn’t be here now #sctweets
HughKLeatherman: We just passed historic legislation for economic development in our state. We will continue to create jobs during these very tough times.
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler and Senate Republican Sens. Hugh Leatherman, Thomas Alexander, Paul Campbell, Jake Knotts, Larry Martin and Billy O’Dell issued a statement late Tuesday night asking for Gov. Mark Sanford to resign in the wake of his rapidly expanding sex scandal.
Crisis requires people in leadership positions to act decisively, with as much dispassionate wisdom and judgment as possible.Governor Sanford has imposed a crisis upon our state. As members of the Senate, we have a duty to the people of South Carolina to do what is in their best interests.
We therefore have concluded that Governor Mark Sanford must resign his office. He has lost the trust of the people and the legislature to lead our state through historically difficult times.
South Carolina has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Tens of thousands of South Carolinians cannot find jobs.
Necessary budget cuts have weakened public education and other vital services.
We must have strong leadership from a Governor who is focused and trusted.
Governor Sanford is neither.
We did not reach this conclusion in haste and we did not base it on his personal failings, but events since his news conference have forced us to act.
The recent revelation that he used taxpayer money to visit Argentina demonstrates that our state crisis will not recede while he is in office.
His own Commerce Department acknowledges the Governor requested additional economic development meetings in Argentina while on a legitimate trade mission to South America.
The Governor, through his spokesmen, deceived the media and public about where he was and what he was doing for several days.
He abandoned his office and the people who elected him with a premeditated cover-up, launching a constitutional crisis that was dangerous and reckless.
These disclosures indicate a pattern of abuse of office. Most disturbing is our belief that the Governor only admitted to these transgressions after he was caught.
The Governor’s family crisis is private and tragic. But the crisis the Governor imposed by his abuse of office is the people’s business and must come to an end.
We can only put this crisis behind us if he does the honorable thing and resign immediately.
The bottom line is that the Governor’s private matters should remain private, but his deception and negligence make it impossible for us to trust him, and for him to govern in the future.
Not only does this statement have the backing of the GOP leader (who pulls double duty as Medical Affairs Committee chairman), but four other committee chairmen (Leatherman – Finance, Alexander – General, Knotts – Invitation, Martin – Rules). Earlier in the day, fellow GOP Sens. Larry Grooms and Kevin Bryant also said Sanford should resign.
Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler joined the group of Republican senators on Tuesday requesting that Gov. Mark Sanford remove himself from office, with the latest self-immolation the Governor has committed in the press.
According to a story hitting the wire just after 9 p.m., “South Carolina’s Senate Republican Party leader is calling on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign. Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler of Gaffney said Tuesday’s revelations from the governor about his own affair raise doubts about Sanford’s ability to lead the state.”
Shortly after Peeler’s statement went out, Sen. Hugh Leatherman, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, also said the Governor should pack it up and go home to Sullivan’s Island (or wherever home is these days). According to a tweet from Senate Republican Caucus director Wesley Donehue, Sens. Paul Campbell, Billy O’Dell and Thomas Alexander are joining the chorus for Sanford to step down, as well.
Earlier in the day, Sanford allies Sens. Larry Grooms, Kevin Bryant and Larry Martin each said the Governor should resign in order for the state to move forward and not have the Governor’s mistakes in his personal life cause more of a problem for the people’s business.
Rep. Eric Bedingfield, another legislator close to Sanford, tweeted Tuesday night that he will officially call for the Governor to resign on Wednesday.
Action hasn’t been static on the other side of the aisle, either. Joining his Democratic colleague in the Senate, Sen. Vince Sheheen, Rep. Anton Gunn said on Facebook, “Mark Sanford clearly is not rational anymore. Time for him to go. This is a repetitive pattern of behavior from many of our statewide leaders.”
The cigarette tax proposal that had the best chance of passing this year, Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell’s plan, now looks like it could be on the ropes after making its way through the Senate Finance Committee.
In the bill passed by the House, state cigarette taxes would go up by 50 cents, and tax credits would be given to small businesses and individuals as an incentive to purchase health coverage.
But, according to Harrell, the changes don’t seem to pass muster.
“We need a plan that is based on giving this money back through tax credits and private insurance options,” Harrell said in a statement. “This ‘tax now, wait and see’ method is dangerous. The revenue neutral plan the House put together is far from the expensive government issued health care plan Congress is preparing to fund with a massive tax increase. The House’s cigarette tax credit plan makes it affordable for individuals to purchase private health care coverage and incentivizes small businesses to offer better benefits to their workers.”
The bill as it stands now would send $5 million to the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC and allow the legislature to return to the topic next year in the event of Congress passing comprehensive health care reform. Democrats plan to continue a push to expand Medicaid, a move which caused the bill to be vetoed (which was sustained) last session.
Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman, in a story in the Post & Courier, said that he expects the new version of the bill to pass, but that will for certain set up another veto showdown between the General Assembly and the Governor.
