Senate Tackles Budget, Passes Ethics Law

May 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For the past week and much of the coming week, the Senate is occupied with crafting the state’s budget for the coming year.

Much of the time has been spent discussing core government functions like adequately funding school bus transportation, and funding transportation infrastructure improvements. In addition to those big ticket items, the Caucus is continuing to look for other ways to save taxpayer money. For instance, Senator Chip Campsen proposed an amendment that was successfully adopted calling for a cost-benefit analysis of the state-owned plane.

This week the budget debate will shift to a school choice measure proposed by Senator Larry Grooms. The amendment would give tax credits to parents choosing to educate their children in a private school, home school, or in another public school that they weren’t zoned for. We expect this amendment to be thoroughly debated, as school choice has always been a contentious issue within the Senate.

In other matters, a bill sponsored by Senator Katrina Shealy was ratified and signed by the governor. The bill provides that flags atop state buildings will be lowered to half-staff when an SC resident in the military loses their life.  The bill also requires the governor to identify the person being honored on the day of the funeral on the Governor’s Office website.  It’s another small way we in the Senate believe we should recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We also just passed the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Integrity Bill. This legislation allows DEW to impose a penalty for fraudulent overpayments. This bill keeps SC in compliance with federal law which will allow employers to continue to receive certain tax credits for their employees. The savings are estimated to be up to $400 per employee for businesses in our state.

Finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a tough new Ethics law that we expect to be debated on the floor of the Senate very soon.

The bill makes a number of important changes, all centered on making sure citizens can trust the government representing them to make decisions ethically and transparently.

Among other things, the bill will increase the waiting period for former legislators to take lobbying jobs, remove ethics investigations regarding legislators to a new statewide board rather than being done within the chamber, strengthen conflict of interest and income disclosure rules, and establishes a Public Integrity Unit at SLED.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Filed Under: Recent News, Statehouse Updates

Legislators take stock at chamber session

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

by Dan Brown

Berkeley County’s state legislators talked shop at the annual Berkeley Chamber of Commerce legislative luncheon Friday. Topics ranged from roads and bridges to support for veterans.

Seven of the county’s 11 state senators and representatives attended the luncheon speaking to a packed house of local civic and business leaders at the Redbank Club in Goose Creek. Attending were Senators Paul Campbell and Sean Bennett, and Representatives Joe Daning, Eddy Southard, Bill Crosby, Joe Jefferson and Samuel Rivers Jr.

Campbell discussed strengthening the state’s DUI laws, proposing that first time offenders be required to install a digital ignition device in their cars after a conviction.

The senator also said the state’s filing requirements for elected office need to be tweaked. “We lost some 200 qualified candidates for election last year because of the way the state required new candidates to file,” he said.

Campbell also spoke of finding a means to increase revenue for the state’s roads and bridges.

“The Secretary of Transportation says it’s his job to manage the deterioration of South Carolina’s roads and bridges,” Campbell said. “If we don’t give the DOT funds to repair our roads and bridges they can’t do their jobs.”

Campbell mentioned a proposal to raise the state tax on gas from 16 percent to 20 percent. He said the increase in the tax would result in a $160 million jump in revenue to repair the state’s infrastructure. Neighboring states charge much more in state sales tax which offers South Carolina drivers some of the lowest gasoline prices in the nation. Currently Georgia charges 28 percent in state taxes and North Carolina 38 percent.

“We’re increasing our fees and all that money will go back to the counties,” said Campbell, who added that an average $50 million increase in revenue would mean $500,000 would go back to the counties to increase their roads and bridges funds. “We could generate approximately $600 million in revenue if all 46 counties approved a 1 cent sales tax like we have in Berkeley County.”

Daning, who served as chairman of the delegation, said meetings like the legislative luncheon were important. “It’s extremely important for the delegation to get out and talk to the folks,” he said.

Daning spoke about the state waiving a one-year residency eligibility stipulation for in-state college tuition for military dependents moving into South Carolina. “We want to waive the one-year waiting period so anytime a military veteran moves into the state their dependents can go to a state public college and pay in-state tuition,” he said.

Southard, representing District 100, stressed his continued loyalty to small business in his remarks. “I am a small businessman and my responsibility is to small businesses first,” he said.

Southard mentioned a proposal in the legislature that would lower the tax on fixed assets from its present 10.5 percent to six percent for small businesses.

“This is something we’re working very hard to pass,” he said. “Those of you small business owners will be very happy to hear this and can appreciate that.”

Southard’s other main concern is the change of absentee and early voting laws.

“The early voting bill passed the house,” he said. “Currently we don’t allow early voting, we allow absentee voting. We changed it from 30 days to nine days allowable for any excuse. We will do away totally with absentee voting.”

Crosby said many of his constituents were elderly and cannot physically wait in long lines.

“There are a lot of seniors up there that don’t want to go stand in those lines,” he said. “If this bill passes like it is and they only have nine days, I’m telling them to ask for curbside voting.”

Jefferson said more physicians need to be made available to rural clinics and that he supports increasing responsibilities for physician’s assistants.

“Increasing the responsibility would allow the PA’s to carry on the functions of the doctors who may not be able to be there at any particular time,” he said.

Jefferson, the lone Berkeley County Democrat, said the county’s delegation forms “a pretty good team gathered in Columbia.” “I like to think we’re doing a pretty good job,” he said, “And we’re working very well together.”

Source: The Berkeley Independent

http://www.berkeleyind.com/article/20130515/BI01/130519865/1085/BI/legislators-take-stock-at-chamber-session&utm_source=feedly

Filed Under: Recent News

The Boeing, S.C. local expansion

May 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Friday’s ceremony in North Charleston was supposed to be about “Phase 2” of Boeing’s local expansion — a $1.1 billion investment and 2,000 more jobs in exchange for a government incentives package that includes $120 million from the state.

And it was, as a series of top elected and Boeing officials, looking out over the complex from an observation deck, marveled at how the 787 Dreamliner plant has progressed since the first major government-backed expansion here in 2009, and what the next round will include.

Then Michael Luttig, Boeing’s general counsel and a part-time Kiawah Island resident, articulated what many outside the company have suspected about its long-term plans for the Lowcountry.

“As we lay the foundation for Phase 2, does anyone doubt there will be a Phase 3 and Phase 4 … ?” the former federal judge asked.

The politicians who followed him on the program certainly didn’t.

“Judge, I hope we’re here a couple years from now,” House Speaker Bobby Harrell said.

“We look forward to Phase 3, 4, 5 … however it goes,” Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor said to chuckles.

And just as Gov. Nikki Haley was moving to ceremonially sign the bond bill that will defray Boeing’s infrastructure costs over the next eight years, she sounded a final note on the theme.

“I have it on video that you said Phase 3, 4 and 5,” she said to Luttig. “So it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”

“So I’ll send you that video often,” the governor, a vocal Boeing backer, joked.

The sunny ceremony came a day after the governor of Boeing’s historic home state, Washington, floated his own incentives proposal to the aerospace giant.

Late last month, Boeing CEO Jim McNerney praised the South Carolina operation and said the company had not yet decided where to build or source parts for the revamped version of the wide-body 777.

Those comments, combined with the company’s decision just days later to officially offer the re-engined, composite-winged 777X to customer airlines, set off speculation that Boeing might be looking beyond Everett, Wash., for 777X production or design.

Boeing now builds most 787s and all 777s in Everett.

 

Senator Boeing

 

It was in that context that Washington Gov. Jay Inslee appeared Thursday at the Boeing-sponsored Future of Flight Center in Everett and, according to Seattle-area media reports, proposed reviewing Boeing’s existing tax breaks, improving transportation arteries around its factories and maybe paying to train workers for Boeing, like South Carolina does.

“I think every state has to do what they can to get jobs, to keep companies and to be successful,” Haley said Friday when asked about her Pacific Northwest counterpart. “Washington’s doing what they have to do, we continue to just be a good partner with Boeing, show a strong relationship and keep our workforce ready.”

State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, who helped broker the first incentives deal four years ago and has called himself “Senator Boeing,” said he read that Inslee didn’t make a money pledge like his state has.

“So he’s not serious,” the Florence Republican and Senate finance chairman said.

Haley would not say whether the state planned to offer additional incentives to land some part of the 777X, simply pledging to “keep talking” to Boeing.

 

Defending incentives

 

Meanwhile, an economic development delegation from the Palmetto State, including a handful of people from the Charleston area, happened to be in the Seattle area this week, Claire Gibbons of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance said.

The entourage was out West prospecting for Boeing suppliers and other aerospace companies and trying to “raise the profile of Charleston as an aviation hub,” Gibbons said.

Back on the observation deck, Haley offered a spirited defense of the state’s regular use of incentives to lure or retain businesses. Critics of corporate incentives argue that governments should invest in public education or social services instead of profitable companies such as Boeing.

“When we do incentives, we only do it for infrastructure,” she said. “It is only site-ready. We make sure that we give them the proper site — water, sewer, everything built — and we make sure that everyone they hire, they only get the credits after they hire the people.”

She said the system offers “true accountability.”

“We don’t throw additional money,” she said. “We don’t have additional money to throw. But it is important for us to always remember that it is government’s role to take care of infrastructure so companies be at home.”

 

Back in the air

 

When Boeing announced in 2009 that North Charleston would become the site of its first commercial aircraft assembly plant outside Washington, the company committed to invest $750 million and create 3,800 jobs in exchange for incentives The Post and Courier valued at as much as $900 million.

Having surpassed those goals — Boeing has invested more than $1 billion and employs more than 6,000 people in North Charleston — the company came back to the state this year to help finance its future expansion plans around Charleston International Airport.

The Legislature fast-tracked the incentives bill, and Haley signed it into law April 23. In addition to the state bond money, Charleston County is now one vote away from approving its part of the package.

It is an “unbelievably euphoric time for Boeing” and its 787 program, according to its top local executive Jack Jones.

The Federal Aviation Administration grounded the 787 in mid-January after smoky battery malfunctions on a pair of in-service planes. No one has been able to identify the cause of the overheating incidents, but Boeing devised a multi-part fix its executives have called comprehensive, and the FAA officially accepted it last month.

The high-tech plane has returned to the air, and deliveries likely will resume soon.

Six mostly finished 787s sat on the Boeing South Carolina flight line Friday. Luttig and Jones said there are six more jets moving through the massive final-assembly factory.

Boeing announced this week that it is now making seven 787s per month between its North Charleston and Everett factories, and is on track to be making 10 per month by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the expansion of the local complex is well underway, including add-ons to the aft- and mid-body factories and office-upfitting on the fourth floor of the centerpiece final-assembly facility.

Luttig, described by Jones as the company’s “closer,” claimed to be as excited Friday “as I was four years ago.”

“Today we stand at the threshold of a new stage of our partnership together,” Luttig said. “It is a proud day for Boeing, it is a proud day for South Carolina, it is a proud day for Boeing South Carolina.”

 

Source: The Post and Courier

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130511/PC05/130519822/1268/talk-of-the-future-resounds-at-boeing-sc&source=RSS

Filed Under: Recent News

Senate panel spends 2 weeks on S.C. road-fixing plan

April 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

COLUMBIA — Six senators plan on spending the next two weeks trying to put together a bill that will increase the amount of money South Carolina spends building and repairing its road and bridges.

The Transportation Funding Special Subcommittee met for the first time Tuesday, listening to basic details about eight bills to get more money to fix roads and bridges. The group plans at least five more meetings over the next two weeks to get more details about all of the plans and listen to ideas and concerns from the public.

The bills contain a number of ideas, but one thing none of them do is raise the state’s 16-cents-per-gallon gas tax, unchanged since 1987. Instead, there are plenty of other suggestions how to get extra money to roads from borrowing $500 million to building toll lanes on interstates to setting aside the sales tax paid on vehicle purchases only for road work to letting counties add an extra penny or two to their gas tax.

“I don’t think it will be a single bullet, a silver bullet. I imagine it will be a combination of two or three things or all of the above,” said Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Columbia.

There is also plenty of discussion about setting aside part of increases in state revenue for roads, an idea supported by Gov. Nikki Haley.

The goal is to put together one bill that can be considered by the Senate Finance Committee early next month. The House passed its own highway funding bill that takes money collected on sales tax on vehicle purchases and moves it from the general fund to road work. House members rejected raising the gas tax by 10 cents or raising the $300 sales tax cap on car sales.

One big question is whether many of these plans can raise enough money. Business and community leaders said the state needs to spend about $600 million a year over the next decade or so on critical projects to widen interstates, fix bridges and resurface highways. The Department of Transportation is spending about $1.5 billion a year on the state’s roads, with about 60 percent of that money coming from the federal government.

The bills that direct increases in revenue to roads raise less than $100 million a year. The proposal to redirect vehicle sales tax is worth just over $100 million. If every county raised its gas tax by two cents, it would raise about $60 million.

Sen. Yancy McGill pointed out several times that fixing roads is a lot more expensive than it used to be. He estimated it cost about $18,000 to repave a mile of road when the gas tax was last raised in 1987, compared to at least $100,000 today. And the project’s cost even more if the road deteriorates.

“If we don’t do it quick, we’ll be rebuilding all these roads. It won’t be a matter of resurfacing. There will be nothing there to resurface,” said McGill, D-Kingstree.

The subcommittee may also branch into other issues besides funding. South Carolina’s highway system includes nearly 41,500 highway miles and 8,400 bridges, making South Carolina’s system the nation’s fourth-largest, funded in part by the fourth-lowest state tax.

Sen. Paul Campbell said the panel also should consider how to get counties and local governments to take responsibility for some roads.

“There are a lot of roads out there — some of them are just driveways — that shouldn’t be on our books,” said Campbell, R-Goose Creek.

 

Source: Independent Mail

Filed Under: Recent News

SC Senate OKs early voting

March 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The state Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to an early-voting proposal that would allow South Carolinians to cast ballots in the week before an election.

S.C. voters now can cast absentee ballots up to 30 days in advance of an election if they can provide one of 18 reasons, such as a trip, to explain why they cannot go to the polls on Election Day.

Early voting should help boost turnout and shrink long Election-Day lines, especially after a shortage of voting machines and poll workers in Richland County last November led to lengthy waits and some voters casting ballots after midnight, lawmakers said.

“The people in Richland County would hug our necks,” said state Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens.

The Senate bill would allow early voting to start 10 days before an election and end after a week. No early voting would be allowed on Sundays.

The bill passed 34-5. It needs a third reading, generally a formality, to move out of the Senate to the S.C. House.

Debate on early voting was drawn out by Republicans, who had blocked the bill in retaliation for Democrats stonewalling a GOP measure that would bar the state from following a federal law on domestic terrorists.

Republicans tried to add provisions to the early-voting bill to require voters to write their birthplace on registration forms, but that move failed.

“Let’s not crowd the bill with all that other nonsense,” said state Sen. John Scott Jr., D-Richland, the bill’s chief sponsor.

A version of the early-voting bill on the House floor would end in-person absentee voting, which Democrats oppose saying it would give people less time to cast ballots. Mail-in absentee voting would remain.

Senators said they would not accept an early-voting bill that ends in-person absentee balloting.

“At the end of the day, we should give voters as much flexibility as possible,” said state Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland.

Passage of the early-voting bill paves the way for debate on a bill Democrats had blocked that would prohibit South Carolina authorities from following a 2012 federal law to detain suspected U.S. terrorists. Martin said the bill is based on constitutional principles and court precedent.

“There’s a big difference between nullification and what we’re proposing,” he said.

Lourie disagreed.

“In the title of the bill, it says ‘nullification,’ ” he said. “This bill will be a waste of time.”

Courtesy of The Island Packet

Filed Under: Issues, Recent News Tagged With: , ,

SC Senate proposes higher incentives to lure film companies

February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The state Senate wants to pay film companies more money to make movies and TV shows in South Carolina.

South Carolina already offers film companies incentives to film in the Palmetto State – a 15 percent rebate on whatever the company spends on wages and supplies purchased in South Carolina.

But some senators want to increase those rebates to 30 percent for supplies and 20 percent of wages – and even more, 25 percent, if the company hires a state resident. The Senate Finance Committee approved a bill, S.163, Tuesday that would do that. It now heads to the Senate floor for debate.

Film companies would be eligible for the rebates only if they spend $1 million or more. And the state only would give the rebates as long as it has the money to spend.

Last year, lawmakers set aside $10 million for the wage rebates and spent about $6 million, according to Marion Edmonds, spokesman for the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The state uses a portion of the state admissions tax to pay the supply rebates.

“I would love to see the film industry grow and prosper in South Carolina. They employ a lot of people,” said state Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Berkeley, the bill’s primary sponsor. “California is in so much trouble right now with their taxes and their deficit, I’d like to give the film industry from California an incentive to come to South Carolina.”

No lawmaker spoke in opposition to the bill. But after Tuesday’s meeting, state Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland, said he has a problem with approving tax rebates “at a time in which we need all the resources we can get.”

“(The money) is taken from somewhere and, in all likelihood, from education,” Jackson said.

Gov. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington, has opposed tax incentives in the past, including an incentive used to lure online retailer Amazon.com to locate in Lexington County in 2011. Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said Tuesday that if the incentives pass the Legislature, the proposal most likely will change before getting to Haley’s desk, adding, “She’ll take a look at the bill when she gets it.”

“But she has been clear: when it comes to film incentives, or any economic-development incentive package, the benefit should outweigh the cost to the state, and they should be considered on a case-by-case basis,” Godfrey said.

From 2007 to 2011, South Carolina paid rebates to nine film productions, including “Army Wives,” the drama series on the Lifetime network, filmed in Charleston, that now is entering its seventh season. The state has paid $21 million in wage and supplier rebates to the productions, according to a 2011 study prepared for the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

That report said that, combined with some other productions aided by the S.C. Film Commission, the film industry generated $86.9 million in sales for state businesses and supported 1,610 jobs that paid $48.5 million in wages.

Still, John DeWorken, a lobbyist with the Carolina Film Alliance, said South Carolina’s film industry is “really nonexistent.”

“You’ve got ‘Army Wives’ and you’ve got some other nickel-and-dime stuff here and there,” he said. “We’re just not utilizing the money set aside to create the capital investment and the jobs that we could.”

Courtesy of The State.

Filed Under: Issues, Recent News

Legislative Accomplishments

June 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Senate Republican Caucus had another productive year. We passed legislation to protect tax dollars, promote quality education, preserve our state’s natural resources and better its business climate. With the legislative session officially over, the Senate Republican Caucus is proud to share some of this year’s highlights.

One of our main goals is to correct inefficiencies within the government. It’s imperative that our agencies operate in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner – leading us to push for a new Department of Administration this year.

In most states, the governor oversees agencies like the Department of Administration. In South Carolina, a five-member Budget and Control Board presides. Tasked with overseeing basic, everyday government functions, the board’s responsibilities range from human resources to information technology to grounds keeping.

The Senate’s bill, currently under Conference Committee review, completely eliminates the Budget and Control Board. Its functions are instead put under a Department of Administration, directly accountable to the governor. We’ve created a system similar to a private sector CEO and Board of Directors relationship.

Our bill reallocates responsibility to enhance efficiency and ensure accountability. With five board members, there was no single person who could be held accountable for its action or inaction. To correct that problem we’ve put the governor directly in charge of the new department.

Among the bill’s key provisions is an oversight system that allows the Senate to keep tabs on the agency’s functioning. This will enhance transparency and ensure that no misstep goes uncorrected. In recognition of their value, board-like structures for functions like procurement have been left intact. The Senate Republican Caucus believes our state will be better for this and other inter-system restructuring.

This brings us to the Retirement Bill, also under Conference Committee review. This legislation will only apply to employees hired after its implementation. New SC Retirement System employees must attain the Rule of 90 (age plus years of service) for full retirement. Additionally, the bill plans a five-year phase out of TERI.

As for current employees, their eligibility will not be affected. Any current employee that retires after implementation may return to work with a $10k earnings limit on their retirement annuity and without salary limits. Employee contributions will be set in law until the Systems are 90% funded; that, of course, ensures they will become 90% funded. Under the plan, new employees will be treated with equal importance.

The bottom line is that we created a system that takes care of current employees, while making sure taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill on a retirement system that can no longer self-sustain.
In other news, voters will decide this November on whether or not they would like the Governor and Lt. Governor to run on the same ballot starting in 2018.

One of this year’s leaps in environmental law has been the Pollution Control Act. This legislation reestablishes the balance of interest between property owners and the environment, offering equal protection to both. The line was blurred last year after the SC Supreme Court ruled against a developer, deciding they needed a permit because the US Pollution Control Act required one.

The court also ruled that any SC citizen has the right to sue another person or entity on the grounds of discharging pollutants into the environment. Prior to that, the law was interpreted to mean that a plaintiff had to be directly impacted by another in order to sue. Signed by the governor the act establishes a study committee to determine how best to permit and protect Carolina Bays. At the Senate Republican Caucus we aim to protect the environment and the interest of our people by adopting new legislation and furthering research.

When it comes to education in South Carolina, we’re all aware of the need for improvement. This year the Senate produced legislation to streamline many aspects of charter school creation and the admissions process. Signed by the governor, this bill will stimulate the growth of charter schools in South Carolina and remove roadblocks for those already operating.

In the same realm is the Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act, now signed by the governor. This act allows a home school student, charter school student, or Governor’s School student the opportunity to play high school sports. The act promotes the involvement of all school-aged children, regardless of where they receive their education. Though a child is only eligible to play for the school in the attendance zone in which they reside, the act emphasizes the importance of physical activity and communal camaraderie.

Moving now to economic reform, the Senate Republican Caucus has a bill that will save our state millions of dollars. Currently awaiting the Governor’s signature, the Unemployment Benefits bill prohibits someone from receiving unemployment benefits if they were fired for misconduct. Last year DEW gave $50 million in unemployment benefits for people fired for misconduct. We believe, and many agree, these precious tax dollars are better spent elsewhere.

Finally, we have the Healthcare Compact bill, a major piece of legislation recently signed by Gov. Haley. This legislation allows South Carolina to enter into a compact with other states to opt out of ObamaCare. The compact needs approval from 15-20 states and the U.S. Congress before South Carolina has the option to opt-out. If the Supreme Court upholds Obamacare, South Carolina may have another avenue for opting out.

The Senate Republican Caucus worked this session to better the lives of South Carolinians today, tomorrow and years in the future. We recognize our duty, going into the next legislative session, is to continue enacting legislation that favors freedom. From the education to environment, to economic reform and retirement, the Senate Republican Caucus accomplished a long list of goals this year. Next year, we plan to do the same.

Filed Under: Recent News, Statehouse Updates

Legislative Accomplishments

June 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Senate Republican Caucus had a very productive year this year – protecting your tax dollars, the business climate, and our natural resources. Below is a summary of our many accomplishments for the year.

 

Government Restructuring

 

Department of Administration

 

In most states, the governor oversees agencies like the Department of Administration. In South Carolina, rather than the governor, a five-member Budget and Control Board presides. Tasked with overseeing basic, everyday government functions of government, the board’s responsibilities ranged from human resources to information technology to grounds keeping. The Senate’s bill completely eliminated the Budget and Control Board, putting the vast majority of those functions under a new Department of Administration, directly accountable to the governor.

 

What we have created is not unlike a private sector CEO and Board of Directors relationship and we firmly believe our state’s government will function better for it. First there is the importance of efficiency, many of the Board’s functions had to do with simple day-to-day management of the state’s administrative functions.  Second is accountability, with five members on a board, no single person can be held accountable for its action or inaction. Now, the governor is directly in charge.

 

Equally important, the Senate left intact board-like structures for functions where it didn’t make sense to have a single person in charge, like procurement. Among the bill’s key provisions is an oversight system that allows the Senate to keep tabs on the agency’s functioning. This provision will enhance transparency and help ensure that no misstep goes uncorrected. It is currently with the Conference Committee.

 

Retirement Bill

The Retirement Bill, now under Conference Committee review, makes changes for employees hired after its implementation. New employees will work for 30 and 27 years respectively, Average Final Compensation (AFC) will become a 5-year equation and leave will not count. New employees in SCRS must attain the Rule of 90 (age plus years of service) for full retirement. New employees in PORS must work until age 57 for full retirement. As for current employees, their eligibility will not be affected. 28 and 25 years (SCRS and PORS) remains as does 3-year AFC and the use of annual and sick leave for final compensation. Any current employee that retires after implementation may return to work with a $10k earnings limit on their retirement annuity without salary limits.

Employee contributions will be set in law until the Systems are 90% funded; that, of course, ensures that they become 90% funded. The bill phases out TERI over the next five years.

 

Governor and Lt. Governor Running On The Same Ballot H.3152

Voters will decide this November on whether or not they would like the Governor and Lt. Governor run on the same ballot starting in 2018.  The bill, H.3152, does not require the Governor’s signature.

Medal of Valor S.1213

The Medal of Valor bill creates the South Carolina Medal of Valor to be awarded to a South Carolinian, or an individual with certain ties to South Carolina, who was killed either while serving in or deploying to a combat zone. The governor has signed this bill giving us the privilege to further honor our country’s war veterans.

Camping on Statehouse Grounds S.1227

 

The statehouse is a beautiful piece of property that is owned by all South Carolina citizens. We cannot allow a few people to deny everyone else the ability to enjoy the statehouse.  Signed by the governor, S. 1227 prohibits someone from camping on the statehouse grounds and reinforces the regulations recently passed by the Budget and Control Board.

Environment

Pollution Control Act H.4654

The Pollution Control Act reestablishes the balance of interest between property owners and the environment, offering equal protection to both. The line was blurred last year after the SC Supreme Court ruled against a developer, deciding they needed a permit because the US Pollution Control Act required one. The court also ruled that any SC citizen has the right to sue another person or entity on the grounds of discharging pollutants into the environment. Prior to that, the law was interpreted to mean that a plaintiff had to be directly impacted by another in order to sue. Included in the bill, now signed by the governor, is the establishment of a study committee to determine how best to permit and protect Carolina Bays.

 

Prescribed Burns

 

The Prescribed Fire Act, related to forestry management, certifies more South Carolinians in controlled burn practices. The act, signed by the governor, protects our state’s citizens from frivolous lawsuit and protects an important source of jobs and economic activity. Our state’s forests are beautiful and highly valuable. The forestry industry currently has a $17 billion annual impact on South Carolina’s economy.

 

Conservation Bank Reauthorization H.3083

Conversation Bank Reauthorization Act has been signed by the governor. The legislation reauthorizes the S.C. Conservation Bank for another 5 years through June 30, 2018.

 

DHEC Port Resolution H.4627

 

Last year, DHEC voted to give approval to the state of Georgia for a port project opposed by the business community and environmentalists alike. When the legislature stepped in to rein in DHEC, Governor Haley vetoed the legislature’s action. Following the disastrous veto, the Senate took a key vote to override her decision, prevent the contravention of state law and protect our state’s interests.

 

It’s an important issue, because our port infrastructure is something that touches literally every part of South Carolina. Not only do our ports provide direct jobs on the coast, they provide a window for shipping our goods across the world. What’s more, DHEC’s decision would have imperiled a planned port in Jasper, something that will eventually create even more jobs and opportunity across South Carolina.

 

Night hunting for Coyotes, Feral Hogs, and Armadillo S.741

The Senate hopes to ratify a bill allowing the year round night hunting of coyotes, feral hogs, and armadillo. These animals are invasive species that are killing and harming our native animal species as well as damaging thousands of dollars of property each year.

 

Economic Freedom

 

Unemployment Benefits S.1125

 

Now awaiting the governor’s signature, the Unemployment Benefits bill prohibits someone from receiving unemployment benefits if they were fired for misconduct. Last year DEW gave $50 million in unemployment benefits for people fired for misconduct.

Telecommunications Freedom Act H.3508

The Telecommunications Freedom Act prohibits local governments from entering the telecommunications business to compete against private industry. The act, which will require a new Sine Die resolution to become law, does not apply to areas designated “unserved” by the Public Service Commission.

Multi-lot Discount H.3934

The Multi-lot Discount bill, now signed into law, extends the multi-lot property tax discount for unsold development property subdivided into lots.

Right to Work H.4652

The Right to Work bill strengthens our state’s right to work laws. The legislation authorizes the posting of notifications in workplaces in order to inform employees of South Carolina’s guarantee that a person’s right to work must not be denied because of membership or non-membership in a labor union or labor organization. State and local government contracts are prohibited from including project labor agreements that require unionized labor to comprise a percentage of the workforce on a project. The bill increases penalties for those in violation of our right to work laws.

Auto Glass Bill H.4042

The Auto Glass Bill makes it unlawful trade practice for a third party administrator of motor vehicle glass repair to steer an insured motor vehicle glass repair business to itself.  Awaiting ratification, the bill also attempts to limit the abilities of “Harvesters” to operate in the state.

Shotgun and Rifle Purchase Out of State H.4494

The Shotgun and Rifle Purchase Out of State is a bill that removes the requirement of shotguns and rifles to be purchased either in state or in state contiguous to South Carolina. Shotguns and Rifles can now be purchased in any state. Though the bill passed the Senate, the House did not concur. The bill will have to be included in a new Sine Die resolution to become law.

Education

Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act S.149

The Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act has been signed by the governor. The bill allows a home school student, charter school student, or Governor’s School student the opportunity to play high school sports. A child is only eligible to play for the school in the attendance zone in which they reside.

 

Charter Schools

 

Charter schools are public schools that give educators the flexibility to create schools that best fit the needs of the local community.Unfortunately, local districts sometimes don’t want to compete for funding. As a result, these districts have tried to stop charter schools from forming. The Senate has a bill to streamline many aspects of charter school creation and the admissions process. Signed by the governor, this bill will stimulate the growth of charter schools in South Carolina and remove roadblocks for those already operating.

 

Healthcare

Abortion Coverage Under ObamaCare

 

S.102 is a bill to restrict abortion coverage under ObamaCare.  ObamaCare mandates are a threat to South Carolina and the country at large, especially when it comes to protecting unborn life. This bill, signed by the governor, ensures that as new insurance plans are set up under ObamaCare, they may not be used to provide “abortion on demand.” We want to make sure ObamaCare mandates don’t expand abortion in South Carolina. With this bill, we can.

 

Bath Salts

 

The Senate also acted to stop the dangerous sale of synthetic drugs in South Carolina. Bearing names “spice” and “bath salts” these unregulated drugs represent a real danger to public health. Governor Haley, in recognition of these facts, signed the bill.

 

Healthcare Compact S.836

The Healthcare Compact bill allows South Carolina to enter into a compact with other states to opt out of ObamaCare. It has been signed by Governor Haley, but needs approval from 15-20 states and the U.S. Congress before South Carolina is given this option.

Born Alive Act S.1149

The Born Alive Act extends legal protection to an infant born alive after a failed attempt at induced abortion. Signed by the governor, this bill conforms South Carolina law to mirror federal law and our belief that all life should be protected.

Peer Review H. 4008

The Peer Review Act encourages full, candid review of patient care while promoting the safety and quality of that care. The bill also protects hospital staff in the event of catastrophic injury occurring in the hospital. Currently, it is awaiting adoption of the conference report.

Fiscal Matters

 

Data Centers Tax Credits H.3720

The Data Centers Tax Credits bill has been signed by the governor. The bill provides job tax credits for jobs at a technology intensive facility to include data processing, computer facilities management, other computer-related services, and multi-use facilities. The legislation exempts a corporation from paying state corporate income taxes for a period of 10 years when establishing a national corporate headquarters, expanding or adding to an existing national corporate headquarters in South Carolina. This translates into at least 50 new full-time jobs.

Also included in the bill are revisions to the utility tax credits for providing infrastructure. These revisions increase the maximum aggregate credit to $400,000 annually. Additional revisions in the legislation alter the provisions for fee in lieu of tax arrangement. This enables a county auditor or assessor to request and obtain any financial books and records from a sponsor that support the sponsor’s tax form or return to verify the calculations of the fee in lieu of taxes tax form or return. The legislation establishes a new sales tax exemption for computers, computer equipment, computer hardware and software purchases for a datacenter and electricity used by a datacenter.

Port Bond Bill S.1431

The Port Bond Bill allows for the issuance of $120 million in bonds to be used for the dredging of the Charleston Harbor should they be needed.  The projected cost to take the Charleston Harbor to 50ft is $300 million with $120 million expected to come from federal government funding. The Senate passed the bill, appropriating $180 million in the state budget for dredging. They noted that bonds only be issued if the federal government did not provide funding. This bill died in the House, but money may still be allocated in the budget.

Tax Incentives for Tire Manufacturers H.3506

Amendments to the current investment tax credit (SC Code 12-14-80) are awaiting ratification. South Carolina is now the tire capital of the United States, and this is about growing this sector even further. Relating specifically to tire manufacturers, the tax credit amendments expand the availability of credit to all tire manufacturers making substantial investments (as defined in the bill) in capital and jobs in SC.  This bill reduces the capital investment criteria (for new investment) to $400 Million and increases the amount of time the investment may take place, from 5 years to approximately 10 years. In addition, 1,200 new jobs must be created during the same time period in order to qualify.

Filed Under: Recent News, Statehouse Updates

SCMA Announces 2012 Defenders of Manufacturing Award Winners

March 23, 2012 by 2 Comments

(Greenville, South Carolina) – The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has presented State Senator Paul Campbell, Mr. Robert Chapman III, Mr. H. Malloy Evans, and State Senator Yancey McGill with the 2012 Defender of Manufacturing award.

Established in 2006, the SCMA Defender of Manufacturing Award recognizes leaders who have gone the extra mile in their support of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry. The Defender of Manufacturing award is an annual recognition of individuals chosen by the SCMA Executive Committee. Previous award winners include William (Bill) Barnet, Roger Chastain, Harry Cato, Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, Senator Larry Martin, Burnet (Burnie) Maybank, Lt. Governor Glenn McConnell, Senator Hugh Leatherman, and Senator Harvey Peeler.

“The manufacturing industry has a profound and meaningful impact in the quality of life for all South Carolinians,” said Lewis F. Gossett, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “The individuals that receive the Defender of Manufacturing award have gone above and beyond to ensure that the manufacturing industry in South Carolina remains strong and can continue to be competitive for generations.”

Biographies of the 2012 Defender of Manufacturing Award

Paul Campbell – State Senator of District 44 in Berkeley County since 2007. Campbell had a long career as a manufacturing industry leader, eventually retiring as Regional President of Alcoa, Inc. He served as Chairman of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance from 2003-2004. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAMPBELL RESOLUTION

Robert Chapman – Current Chairman, CEO, and Treasurer of Inman Mills, where he has worked for 35 years. Chapman has been a leader in numerous trade associations, State Boards, and civic organizations, including Member of the State Board for Technical & Comprehensive Education, Board Member of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, Board Member of the South Carolina Technical College System Foundation, Board Member of the J. E. Sirrine Foundation, and Chairman South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (1999-2000). CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CHAPMAN RESOLUTION

Malloy Evans – Retired CEO of Cheraw Yarn Mills. Evans’ career in the manufacturing sector spans 47 years and has been a leader in numerous trade associations, including Past President of the American Yarn Spinners Association, Board Member of the Cotton Council International, Executive Committee Member of the National Cotton Council, Executive Committee Member of the National Council of Textile Organizations, and Chairman of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (2004-2005). CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVANS RESOLUTION

Yancey McGill – State Senator of District 32 in Florence, Georgetown, Horry, and Williamsburg Counties since 1989. During his tenure in the Senate, McGill has developed a reputation for being one of the most effective Senators, using his unmatched legislative and personal skills to advance an agenda that facilitates a positive manufacturing climate in South Carolina. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MCGILL RESOLUTION

ABOUT THE SCMA – The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life for all South Carolinians by advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 80,000 associates in South Carolina. For additional information about the SCMA, please visit www.myscma.com.

Filed Under: Recent News

State Senate Redistricting Lines Approved

November 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Courtesy of Post & Courier

The U.S. Justice Department has decided that it will not oppose South Carolina’s redrawing of state Senate election district lines, state Senate leaders said Tuesday.
The decision — which Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said he learned from a Monday letter from Justice officials — means that that the 46 districts may now be lawfully implemented. However, there are already plans to challenge them in court.

State Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian, a top lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past, said Tuesday he planned in the next two weeks to file a lawsuit challenging the validity of both the state House and Senate district lines.
“That will allow the process to go forward,” Harpootlian told The Associated Press Tuesday.

Because of South Carolina’s growth in the past decade, the population of each of the 46 Senate districts has increased to approximately 100,551 people, McConnell, R-Charleston, said.

In September, Justice Department officials questioned plans drawn by the South Carolina Senate for its districts, asking specifically about District 17, which now serves voters in Chester, Fairfield, Union and York counties. The American Civil Liberties Union had argued that the district could be drawn with a black majority, but the state Senate rejected that argument.

The Justice Department sought details on precinct-by-precinct voting tallies for state and federal offices dating to 2006 that included candidates’ race as well as voter demographics.

Filed Under: Recent News
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