SCHotline Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Neil Mellen

South Carolinians for Responsible Government

Thursday, May 15, 2008
(803) 212-1051
Across South Carolina, students began taking the PACT test this week. The PACT is an expensive and outdated test that lacks the child-specific diagnostic data required by teachers. Unlike tests used in other states, PACT isSouth Carolina specific, and doesn’t provide educators with a comparison of our schools to regional and national test scores.

Lawmakers and educators have long agreed that PACT ought to be replaced, but Superintendent Jim Rex (D), who campaigned on a promise to reform assessment in 2006, has been unwilling to make the change. Instead, Rex is working with Bob Walker (R) of Spartanburg to push through a controversial bill, dramatically weakening South Carolina’s precedent setting accountability laws.

Thankfully, members of the South Carolina Senate have called Rex’s bluff. Thursday, Senators reached an agreement on an amended version of the House Bill, which includes specific
language eliminating the PACT in July of 2008.

“Eliminating the PACT this year frees the state to move forward on a new accountability system,” explained Senator Greg Ryberg, Republican from Aiken. Unlike the House version, the Senate is not looking for the Legislature to micromanage the testing process.

Senators made it clear: responsibility for creation and administration of assessment belongs with the State
Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Education Oversight Committee.
Writing to an open letter to Jim Rex earlier this month, Senator Kevin Bryant (R) of Anderson expressed
frustration about the fact that Superintendent Rex was unwilling to replace PACT on his own.

“The department you administer holds the responsibility for the PACT test and might have as early as January 2007, begun the elimination of the PACT, but instead decided to extend the PACT for another year (2008). I remain frustrated as to this series of decisions.”

While Rex initially responded to calls from Bryant and others with more political posturing, final passage of this Senate bill will force him into action. The Senate bill also prevents an unnecessary expansion of standardized testing for first and second grade students, children most experts agree won’t benefit from this type of assessment.

South Carolina’s students deserve an effective test. With a 47 percent high school graduation rate and 49th placed SAT scores, it is clear that public schools require an accountability system that helps teachers do their job. Private schools in South Carolina, and public schools in other states, have found commercially developed tests such as Stanford 10, Iowa Test of Skills, MAP, and Terra Nova can do just that. Moving to an existing standardized test would also save millions of dollars in assessment spending, ensuring more money reaches the classroom for instruction.
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KATRINA SHEALY STATEMENT ON SENATOR KNOTTS’ VOTE TODAY AGAINST IMMIGRATION REFORM

LEXINGTON, SC – Republican candidate for State Senate, Katrina Shealy, issued the following statement today regarding Senator Jake Knotts vote against immigration reform:

“It is disappointing that Senator Knotts would once again vote against the very immigration reform his campaign has been trumpeting his support for.  Just Monday night, Senator Knotts stood up at a debate and proclaimed his support for the e-Verify program.  It is ridiculous to claim that the Senator could have changed his mind so quickly as to vote against that same reform today – and so it is clear he has been misleading the voters of Lexington County.

“If I am elected, I will work tirelessly to solve our immigration problem by ending the incentives that attract illegal aliens to our state – jobs and benefits. The best way to do that is to use the e-Verify program Senator Knotts opposed today.”

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Governor Sanford signs Ultrasound Act into law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, May 14, 200 Governor Mark Sanford signed the Ultrasound Act into law today meaning that abortionists must immediately begin informing women they have a right to view the image of their unborn child before an abortion can be performed.

This legislation revises the prerequisites for the performance of an abortion by providing that, if an ultrasound is performed, an abortion may not be performed sooner than one hour following the completion of the
ultrasound.  The physician who is to perform the abortion or an allied health professional working in conjunction with the physician must inform the woman before the ultrasound procedure of her right to view the ultrasound image at her request during or after the ultrasound procedure.

South Carolina becomes the 18th state with legislation giving the mother the option to view the ultrasound of her unborn child before an abortion; however only South Carolina and Oklahoma require a one-hour waiting period between the time the ultrasound is performed and the abortion is scheduled.

In South Carolina an ultrasound is mandatory if the baby’s gestational age is estimated to be 14 weeks or older or is unknown, according to state regulations. The ultrasound remains optional before 14 weeks of pregnancy. In all cases the woman must be informed of her right to view the image of her unborn child.

CONTACT: Holly Gatling, Executive Director

HOUSE APPROVES FARM BILL WITH VETO-PROOF MAJORITY

Washington, D.C.—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after passage of the Conference Report on H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007.

“Veto-proof passage of the Farm Bill Conference Report sends a clear and resounding message that the New Direction Congress remains strongly committed to helping our nation’s farmers, investing in alternative energy resources, and preserving our pristine natural environment.  The Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act is a bipartisan bill that will move our nation’s agriculture, energy, and environmental policies in a New Direction.

“I’m proud that nearly three-fourths of the legislation is devoted to nutrition programs that help 38 million American families afford healthy food.  Updates to the food stamp program will help about 11 million people by 2012. Critical relief is provided to food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens by increasing TEFAP funding by $1.25 billion – with $50 million for immediate shortages at food pantries. And our children will be more effective in school with a $1 billion investment in healthy snacks.

“The legislation also provides for America’s farmers, the heart of our economy, by making disaster assistance a permanent program for farmers with crops stricken by natural disasters such as drought and flood.  It also protects consumers by making critical food labeling of our meat supply and produce mandatory.  Additionally it invests $7.9 million in conservation programs that reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water and air quality, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. And it provides the most dramatic reform in 30 years by ending payments to farmers who don’t need the help.

“The Farm Bill invests in solid infrastructure in our rural communities through the establishment of three economic development commissions: the Southeast Crescent Authority, the Southwest Border Commission, and the Northern Border Commission. These commissions represent significant legislative victories for distressed rural counties and will serve as catalysts for economic development in these regions.  Furthermore, this legislation also honors our obligations to the working poor by providing more than $10 billion in new funding for federal nutrition programs over the next 10 years.

“Demonstrating the importance of good stewardship of the environment, this legislation enacts strong energy and conservation provisions, which will protect our environment and natural resources.  This bill also takes significant steps toward ending our dependence on foreign oil through the research and the development of cellulosic ethanol.  This innovative industry has the potential to transform rural communities across the Southeast and create new economies through alternative energy production.

“In addition, this comprehensive farm proposal recognizes the extensive contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to agricultural advancement and research.  The Farm Bill encourages additional funding for research and development in bio-energy and bio-mass fields for HBCUs.

“Our rural communities serve as fundamental pillars in the development and advancement of our society.  This legislation will provide rural America with the tools and resources necessary to keep America moving forward.”

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State Board of Education endorses Senate debate on proposed changes to school accountability law

COLUMBIA – South Carolina’s State Board of Education today passed a
resolution urging the State Senate to debate a package of proposed
reforms to the 10-year-old Education Accountability Act.

H.4662, approved 113-0 by the House of Representatives, has yet to be
debated by the full Senate.  

Today’s State Board resolution, passed on a 10-3 vote, read:  “Be
it resolved that the South Carolina State Board of Education supports
debate of H.4662 by the South Carolina Senate through debate on the
Senate Floor, and that the State Board of Education fully supports
replacement of Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT) with a more
timely, diagnostic and useful test, and will fully cooperate with the
South Carolina Department of Education and the Education Oversight
Committee to accomplish such.”

Rob Miller Statement on Joe Wilson’s Vote Against Lower Gas Prices

Beaufort, SC – Today, Democratic Congressional Candidate Rob Miller released the following statement concerning incumbent Joe Wilson’s vote yesterday against legislation that could lower gas prices as much as 24 cents a gallon. Wilson was one of only 25 members of Congress to vote against H.R. 6022, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act. Majorities in both parties voted in favor of this legislation to provide Americans some quick relief from record high gas prices.

“Joe Wilson owes people back home an explanation on why he sided with big oil and voted against providing families much needed relief at the gas pump. People are struggling simply to pay for the gas that gets them to and from work these days. Joe Wilson seems to be too busy cozying up to oil executives to even notice,” Miller said.

“This is just another reason I’m running for Congress to bring change to Washington and give the voters of the Second District the representation they deserve.”

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Stockman Picks up Prestigious Endorsement

South Carolina Chamber of Commerce endorses Republican Chip Stockman for State Senate.

Greenwood, SC - Chip Stockman, Republican candidate for South Carolina Senate District 10 has received the endorsement of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the state’s largest broad based business organization. South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President, Hunter Howard, touted Stockman’s, “commitment to representing the people of South Carolina who each need good jobs, a competitive state economy, and a pro-prosperity working environment to ultimately raise our citizens’ income.”

Chip Stockman made the following remarks, “It is an honor for me to be endorsed by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. As a small business owner I know first hand the challenges we face in today’s economic marketplace.  I will promote economic diversity with entrepreneurship and creativity by removing barriers to economic growth.  I am committed to reducing taxes, removing unnecessary governmental regulations and oversight. We must bring increased economic prosperity back to the Lakelands.”

Chip Stockman is running for the South Carolina Senate, District 10.

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New Radio Ad Touts Graham’s Conservative Record

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s campaign today launched a new statewide radio advertisement showcasing how growing up in a working class family in rural South Carolina molded Graham to become a conservative leader in the Senate.  The ad touts his support for conservative judges, the Second Amendment, cutting wasteful spending, and pro-family legislation.

The ad highlights how, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Graham played a leading role in confirming John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. Ed Gillespie, who was tapped by the White House to coordinate the confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, called Graham a “hero” for his work in confirming both justices.

The ad also notes that Graham was one of only ten Senators to receive the top award from the National Taxpayers Union for his efforts on behalf of the American taxpayer, and his support of the Second Amendment has won him the endorsement of the National Rifle Association. Additionally, the ad mentions that Graham has received top awards from Family Research Council Action and South Carolina Citizens for Life for his strong pro-family and pro-life voting record.

The sixty-second spot, titled “Values,” can be heard by clicking here.

“Values” Radio Advertisement Transcript

Female: Lindsey Graham was raised in a working class family in rural South Carolina.

That’s where he learned to speak his mind and stand up for his beliefs.

Those conservative values continue to guide him as our United States Senator.

Male: That’s why Lindsey Graham’s taken a leading role in getting conservative judges like John Roberts and Sam Alito on the Supreme Court.

It’s why he defends the Second Amendment, and is endorsed by the N.R.A.

And why he’s one of only ten senators to get top honors from the National Taxpayers Union for opposing wasteful Washington spending.

Female: Lindsey Graham has received top awards from leading pro-family groups for protecting traditional marriage.

And he was recognized as the Pro-life Legislator of the Year by South Carolina Citizens for Life.

Conservative South Carolina values – they’re what Lindsey Graham was raised on, and they’re what he’ll continue to stand for in the Senate.

Sen. Graham: I’m Lindsey Graham, candidate for U.S. Senate, and I approved this message.

Male: Paid for by Lindsey Graham for Senate.

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Cigarette Tax Increase Would Create $40 Million Shortfall, Eliminate State Jobs

The Senate bill that expands Medicaid eligibility through a 50-cent cigarette tax increase would cause a $40
million budget shortfall by 2014 and eliminate 4,100 private-sector jobs, according to an economic analysis
completed by the South Carolina Policy Council.

Higher cigarette taxes would drain money from the economy, resulting in fewer jobs. It also would correspond with a decline in cigarette sales that would cause tax revenue to drop 1.1 percent annually. Assuming Medicaid costs continue to rise at the same rate as they have over the past decade, South Carolina would need:

• $113 million by FY 2014 to sustain Medicaid at the expanded level
• Just $73 million in cigarette tax revenue would be collected
• Taxpayers would have to cover this $40 million shortfall out of the state general fund.

Other states that have used cigarette tax increases to fund state programs have often found actual revenue
collections fall short of the predicted amount. For example,

• Georgia projected $180 million in new revenue after a 25 cent cigarette tax increase in 2003, but actual
revenue was $117 million — 35 percent less than the projected amount

• Virginia projected $62 million in new revenue after a 10 cent tax cigarette increase in 2005, but actual
revenue was $52 million — 16 percent less than the projected amount.

Rather than expanding Medicaid eligibility, lawmakers could improve health care for all citizens by focusing on market-based solutions. Multiple private-sector plans competing for Medicaid business would drive down costs while improving performance and choice.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office states Medicaid expansion increases healthcare costs and forces one person to drop private insurance for every two people added to Medicaid. Market-based solutions can be designed to offer more flexibility and choice that would benefit all South Carolinians. Several proposals include:

• Remove state-specific coverage mandates and allow nationwide competition.
• Offer multiple health plans at differing costs; giving customers a variety of plans at difference price ranges
• Create a small business pool that gives employers leverage to negotiate insurance rates
• Create Health Savings Accounts that give individuals choice and responsibility for care

State lawmakers should understand expanding Medicaid via the cigarette tax is unsustainable. It would indebt taxpayers for millions as benefits exceed revenues. The real solution is market-based reform that reduces costs, improves accountability and gives consumers real choice.

Nothing in the foregoing should be construed as an attempt to aid or hinder passage of any legislation.

Copyright 2008. South Carolina Policy Council
Education Foundation, 1323 Pendleton Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. Visit the Policy Council online at www.scpolicycouncil.com.

REPRESENTATIVE NATHAN BALLENTINE AWARDS EDCUATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Since his election in 2004, Representative Nathan Ballentine has
continued to honor his pledge to return his legislative salary to worth
causes in the community.

For the past three years, he has also dedicated funds to providing
scholarships to worthy high-school seniors from House District 71.  The
scholarships are named in memory of his family members and their
respective colleges or universities.

Serving on this year’s scholarship committee were: Susan Mazur -
Chariman, Ann Ballentine - Past Chairman, Louise Burkholder, Nancy
Epting, Melba Hawkins and Sherri Murdock.

This year’s winners are:

Chris Campbell (Irmo High School)
Bernard Carroll (B.C.) Ballentine Scholarship
$1,000 Univeristy of South Carolina

Ashlyn Ruczko (Chapin High School)
John Dewey (J.D.) Winburn, Jr. Scholarship
$1,000 Clemson University

Michael Hicks (Dutch Fork High School)
Theodore Nanney Scholarship
$ 500 Midlands Technical College

Past winners include:

Logan Ross (Chapin High School) 2007 - Bernard Carroll (B.C.) Ballentine
Scholarship
Zach Brunson (Home School Student) 2006 - Bernard Carroll (B.C.)
Ballentine Scholarship
Kristin Lekoske (Dutch Fork High School) 2007 - John Dewey (J.D.)
Winburn Scholarship
Jessica Corley (Dutch Fork High School) 2006 - John Dewey (J.D.) Winburn
Scholarship
Chelsey Moses (Dutch Fork High School) 2006- Margaret Jane Winburn
Clarke Scholarship

For more information on the scholarship program, please visit
www.nathansnews.com.