Anderson County Republican party Filings
Candidates for June 10, 2008 Republican Primary
Anderson County Council
District 1
Brooks Brown
700 Woodlake Road
Anderson, SC 29621
864-226-2754
Raymond MacKay
400 Holly Ridge Drive
Anderson, SC 29621
864-226-6132
864-375-9664
mackay_r@bellsouth.net
Roger L. Pedrick
1121 Springdale Road
Anderson, SC 29621
864-2254884
864-231-7459
Bob Waldrep (Incumbent)
2703 Jackson Square
Anderson, SC 29625
864-224-6341
864-224-2235
District 2
Bill Holder
108 Carrick Court
Anderson, SC 29624
864-367-0206
864-367-9429
bill@wmholder.com
District 3
Larry E. Greer (Incumbent)
1300 Due West Highway
Anderson, SC 29621
864-296-9176
Eddie Moore
1311 Agnew Road
Starr, SC 29684
864-352-6915
District 4
Tom Allen
109 Wycombe Drive
864-964-9976
Bill McAbee (Incumbent)
6925 Liberty Highway
864-933-2915
864-933-2745
District 5
L. K. “Brother” Bailey
215 Regency Circle
Anderson, SC 29625
864-261-9416
864-934-4897
Tommy Dunn
131 Ming Lane
Anderson, SC 29625
864-844-3765
Skip Gilmer
107 Pleasantburg Road
Anderson, SC 29625
864-934-9314
Michael Thompson (Incumbent)
650 Hunters Lane
Anderson, SC 29625
864-221-7992
864-375-9739
District 6
Rick Freemantle
1711 Beaverdam Road
Williamston, SC 29697
864-314-3610
864-947-7644
Ron Wilson (Incumbent)
203 Siloam Road
Easley, SC 29642
864-605-1000
864-605-1002
District 7
Doug Hooper
534 Toney Creek Road
Belton, SC 29627
864-844-5354
864-338-3974
M. Cindy Wilson (Incumbent)
129 Steeplechase
Belton, SC 29627
864-261-3980
864-617-2696
Anderson County Auditor
Jacky Hunter (Incumbent)
341 Long Road
Williamston, SC 29697
864-221-5065
864-225-6866
Anderson County Coroner
Greg L. Shore (Incumbent)
417 Holly Ridge Drive
Anderson, SC 29621
864-444-6727
864-226-2933
gshore@medshore.com
Anderson County Sheriff
David Crenshaw (Incumbent)
311 Greenville Street
Anderson, SC 29670
864-260-4417
864-646-7544
John Skipper
2809 Bellview Road
Anderson, SC 29621
864-934-9596
Anderson County Treasurer
Jason P. Phillips (Incumbent)
6615 Highway 187 South
Starr, SC 29684
864-352-3972
SC House of Representatives
District 6
Brian White (Incumbent)
2500 Edgewood Avenue
Anderson, SC 29625
864-617-2354
864-716-0469
District 7
Michael W. Gambrell (Incumbent)
400 Filter Plant Road
Honea Path, SC 29654
864-844-3614
864-369-0613
mwgambrell@bellsouth.net
District 8
Don C. Bowen (Incumbent)
1176 Embassy Drive
Anderson, SC 29625
864-934-3272
864-287-2009
District 9
Michael D. Thompson (Incumbent)
1207 Cobbs Glen Drive
Anderson, SC 29621
864-940-4698
District 10
Dan Cooper (Incumbent)
361 Browning Road
Piedmont, SC 29673
864-982-2903
danmelissa@bellsouth.net
SC Senate
District 3
Kevin L. Bryant (Incumbent)
104-A North Avenue
Anderson, SC 29625
864-202-8394
864-225-0990
kevin@kevinbryant.com
“JASON WHINGHTER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 24”
“JASON WHINGHTER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 24”
(North Augusta, SC) North Augusta City Councilmember and resident, Jason Whinghter filed today with the Aiken County Republican Party to run for South Carolina State Senate District 24. Mr. Whingter is a Landscape Architect and REALTOR employed with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Company.
Jason is a graduate of Clemson University with a MCRP, City and Regional Planning and a Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architect, Cum Laude for Clemson University. Jason was educated in the Public School System in Aiken County, graduating from Silver Bluff High School.
Jason is a community leader and member of the following organizations, Aiken County Homebuilders Association, Aiken Board of Realtors, Aiken County Soil and Water Conservation District, American Society of Landscape Architects, Clemson University IPTAY Representative, Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2007 Chair of the Chamber and North Augusta Greenway Trust, Chairman and served on the North Augusta Planning Commission prior to his election to City Council and North Augusta 2000.
Jason is a native of Beech Island, South Carolina and attends Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta, South Carolina.
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NOTE: Jason is available for a live, telephone, or editorial interview. You may reach him at the following number 803-215-0428 or jwhinghter@yahoo.com.
T. Hardee Horne announces candidacy for SC House Dist 39
T. Hardee Horne announces candidacy for SC House
Saluda County Council Chairman T. Hardee Horne today announces his candidacy for South Carolina House of Representatives for District 39.
“I, T. Hardee Horne, after much deliberation have decided to seek the Democratic nomination for the SC House of Representatives District 39. I firmly believe that our voice in Columbia is not being heard. We have watched as our elected representatives in Columbia have ignored our communities’ needs in favor of their political partisanship infighting. The rural counties in this state have suffered during this time and the real needs of its people aren’t being addressed. Our schools have been placed in jeopardy by an ill conceived tax swap plan. Our infrastructure needs aren’t being addressed at all. Our state budget surplus last year was squandered on pet projects that benefited the few and we continue to squander precious tax dollars. I have watched as the assault on Home Rule continues stifling our counties’ and towns’ abilities to improve their respective communities. It’s time for a change.
I started out in politics to make a positive difference in my community and working with a great council across party lines we have done that. I intend to take that same work ethic to Columbia and ensure that “common sense” prevails in the decisions that affect our district and state.”
Horne, Chairman of Saluda County Council was first elected in 2004 following the death of his father the late Chairman H. Bernard Horne. He has proven to be a progressive leader that has the ability to get things done. He has a great work ethic that has been instrumental in reforming Saluda County government. Under his leadership County Council has created a countywide fire service that is a model for the other counties in the state, set up a grants department that has been awarded in excess of a half a million dollars for the county, and reduced inefficiencies in county government. He and Council have worked to lay the groundwork to progressively move forward on economic development for the county and repair relationships with outside entities that provide assistance to Saluda County.
Horne is the Current Chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments, Current Chairman of the Tri-County Solid Waste Authority, and Current Chairman of Saluda County Council. He is a current board member of the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, and the Central Carolina Alliance. He is also a member of the SC Association of Counties, National Association of Counties, National Association of Development Organizations, South Carolina Poultry Federation and the National Chicken Council. He also serves on various committees for these organizations.
His work experience includes The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington DC, Vice President of Adams Red & White Inc, CVS Corp, and Managing Partner of Harvest Moon of SC LLC. He is currently employed as Public Affairs Representative of Amick Farms, LLC. He also holds a state bus driving license and helps the local school district by driving a school bus.
Horne is a single father of two boys, Adam, 15 and Leason, 9. He is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church where he has served as Congregation President and Board member.
Those wishing to contribute, volunteer or contact with concerns and issues may do so by calling 864-445-9362 or by mail to Horne for House, 615 Bonham Rd. Saluda SC 29138. Email – hardee67@embarqmail.com
ROGER NUTT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SC HOUSE
ROGER NUTT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SC HOUSE
Engineer Announces for District 35 Seat
SPARTANBURG, SC – Spartanburg engineering executive Roger Nutt today announced his candidacy for the South Carolina State House.
“It is our duty to have a voice in Columbia who will actively pursue making our state stronger,” Nutt said. “When you consider the 41% growth in state government spending over these last three years, it is easy to see that the politicians in the State House have lost that focus. I will work to rein in our state spending back to levels we can afford as taxpayers.”
Nutt’s campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, individual liberties, business friendly economic policies, and strong moral principles.
“Growing up in this community I have seen first hand how the erosion of personal freedoms can sneak up on you. I think it’s time we focus on easing government regulations and start promoting more personal freedom and responsibility”, Nutt said. “Serious tax cuts, and strong moral and home-rule based principles are a good place to start”.
Roger Nutt, his wife Tracy, and their three children live in Moore, SC. Nutt, 42, is a Licensed Professional Engineer, and Vice President of his family’s engineering firm.
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Mark McBride Kicks Off Five Day Announcement Tour runs as Independent
Mark McBride Kicks Off Five Day Announcement Tour
Former Two-Term Myrtle Beach Mayor To Run As Independent Petition Candidate
Conway- Former two-term Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride formally announced his candidacy for the United States Senate today. He started his campaign as an independent petition candidate with a noon news conference from the steps of the original Horry County Courthouse built in 1824. This was the first in a series of announcement events to be held around South Carolina today, Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.
Mayor McBride said, “I am humbled by the encouragement of the last couple of months. Voters from Pendleton, Spartanburg, Beaufort, Greenville, Hanahan, Summerville, Lexington, Rock Hill, Horry County and other areas of this great state are asking for a senator who can bring real world experience to solving our problems that are all too real. I am tossing my hat into the ring to do just that.”
Mayor McBride, with 14 years of public service, said, “I will conduct this grassroots campaign on a town-to-town and county-to-county basis. I look forward to offering voters the option of having a real, conservative choice in November. I look forward to having a thorough discussion of the issues that are vital for our state and nation.”
“17 years ago, I started my political career and in the successive years, many residents in the City of Myrtle Beach who have supported me and even those with whom I’ve disagreed can attest to my dedication, determination and unwavering commitment to stand for what is right. To those in Myrtle Beach who have voted for me 8 times before, I ask for your support one more time. To those who have never supported me, I look forward to earning your support. I am honored to be a resident and representative of Horry County. I am honored to be a South Carolinian and an American.”
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Mark McBride is married, has three children, and lives in Myrtle Beach, SC.
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Mayor Mark McBride please call 843-333-2006 or e-mail mark@markmcbride.us. Mayor McBride was the Myrtle Beach Mayor (1998-2006) and a US Senate candidate in 2004.
Republican Tom Davis to Announce Candidacy for State Senate
MEDIA ADVISORY
Republican Tom Davis to Announce Candidacy for State Senate
WHAT: The Tom Davis for Senate campaign will hold a Campaign Kick-Off Tour with stops in Beaufort, Bluffton, Sun City, and Hilton Head. All events are open to media.
WHO: Republican Tom Davis is a twenty-three year resident of Beaufort County. Davis is an attorney at Harvey & Battey and is the former Chief of Staff to Governor Mark Sanford.
Tom and his wife, Reid, reside in Beaufort with their three daughters, Elizabeth, Grace and Claire.
WHEN: Monday, March 31, 2008
WHERE: 9:30AM: Tom Davis for Senate Headquarters, Grand Opening
914 Boundary St.
Beaufort, SC 29902
12:00 PM: Calhoun Street Promenade
1297 May River Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
3:00 PM: Sun City
The Pavilion
Sun City, SC
* light refreshments will be provided
* only open to Sun City residents
5:30 PM Sticky Fingers - Hilton Head Island
34 Palmetto Bay Road
Hilton Head, SC 29928
*Food will be provided.
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Trey Whitehurst Announces Candidacy for House District 3
Trey Whitehurst Announces Candidacy for House District 3
(March 28, 2003 / Clemson, SC) Trey Whitehurst announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 3 seat today.
A Republican and district native, Whitehurst made his announcement to friends, family members, and supporters using Clemson’s Keith Street Grille as a backdrop to highlight the importance of small business to South Carolina’s economic future.
A 1985 graduate of Clemson University, Whitehurst is a civil engineer and a small business owner himself.
“Like all parents I want my kids to have more opportunities than me, but as I see government expand and taxes rise I fear they won’t. This is why we need change in Columbia,” Whitehurst said.
Among his ideas, Trey Whitehurst wants to focus on:
1. Government Spending.
“Working on a project for the Navy, I identified a problem where materials did not fit correctly and led to cracks. Since cracks aren’t something you want in submarines, I explained that the parts were faulty, and we deserved our money back. The project manager responded that we didn’t need to worry and we’d just order new materials. I had a tough time accepting his answer knowing that those materials cost the taxpayers $50,000 each, and we had a lot of them sitting around. I never forgot about the $50,000 paperweights, and I want to make sure government gets its spending in line so we don’t have to worry about that happening here,” Whitehurst said.
2. Education.
According to Whitehurst, “We are among the lowest in the nation in terms of education, and for all of the money we’re throwing at the situation, the results are negligible. More than 50 cents of each education dollar will never see a classroom, and nearly 50% of high school freshmen don’t graduate in four years. We’re throwing $6 billion per year in the name of education and aren’t getting a real return on our investment. It’s time we realize that the old way of doing things isn’t working. We need to examine options and try something new. My two sons deserve it, and I think everyone else’s do, too.”
3. Immigration.
“Everyone must obey the laws — including those who come here from other countries. Entering this country and our state illegally is against the law, and we must establish methods for addressing an issue that costs our residents, our businesses, and our government. In 2008, that cost is projected to be $186 million in South Carolina alone,” Whitehurst added.
Near the end of his announcement Whitehurst told his supporters, “I want the people of District 3 to know that as their representative, I will be an ear at home and our district’s voice in Columbia.”
Whitehurst will be on the ballot in the Republican primary election on June 10. House District 3 encompasses southwest Pickens County.
For media only inquiries and requests for available event audio, video, or still photography, contact Taft Matney by e-mail at taft@sandlappergrp.com or by phone at 864/505-8866.
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Inglis releases list of funding requests
Inglis releases list of funding requests
U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis released Friday his list of 16 federal funding requests for projects in South Carolina.
Inglis said, “We were asked to support over 65 projects. In the end, I decided to submit 16 of those for consideration by the Appropriations Committee. The 16 advance a national security objective supported by the Department of Defense or meet my criteria of (1) advancing economic development (2) having a local match and (3) having a federal nexus.”
Inglis’ list of requests appears on the Fourth District website (www.inglis.house.gov).
Inglis said he supports a one-year moratorium on earmark requests, saying that the moratorium would give the Congress the opportunity to improve the process. “Requests should be transparent; they should be submitted for full vetting by the Appropriations Committee; they should not be “air dropped” at the last minute; and members of Congress should expect to be asked to justify each request.”
Inglis acknowledged that some members of Congress have decided to unilaterally forgo requests, but said he sees little being gained from “unilateral disarmament.”
“By fully disclosing my requests and proceeding in regular order, I can meet my office’s obligation to earmark reform. Forgoing requests won’t cause others to do the same; only a rule change will do that. I support that rule change. In the meantime, I’m acting consistent with the needed reforms.”
Appropriations: Complete FY09 Projects Requested
Using the criteria of:
· Economic development
· Local match
· Federal nexus
U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis presented the following opportunities to the following appropriations subcommittees for FY09:
Defense
Power Dense Transmissions (Timken)
· $1.6 million requested
· Defense research; local match not applicable
· Will help Army develop gear material system for helicopter power transmissions to enable them to carry more power and torque for longer periods of time.
Advanced Carbon Fiber Research and Testing Initiative (Cytec)
· $3 million requested
· Defense research; local match not applicable
· Funding would be used to install a manufacturing line for high performance PAN carbon fibers required by the military to produce efficient manned and unmanned air and space vehicles as well as for use in missile and satellite components.
Light-Weight Reversible Camouflage Netting (Milliken)
· $2.3 million requested
· Defense research; local match not applicable
· Funding would be used to conduct research on behalf of the US Marine Corps, focused on replacing the carbon-loaded paste RAM technology currently used with an intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) coated textile. The ICP coated textile will then be assembled into a composite that provides multi-spectral signature reduction in a single systems design for both desert and woodland environments.
Hospital of the Future Program (Spartanburg Regional)
· $3.5 million requested increase
· Defense research; local match not applicable
· The overarching research goals of this project are to: decrease care delivery costs for the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration; improve patient safety through proactive elimination of medical errors; improve the transfer of medical information between care givers and patients; improve patient access to care through electronic health management; and improve the environment of care for both the patient and the provider.
Hydrogen Batteries for Warfighter (Gecko Energy/University of South Carolina)
· $6.5 million requested
· Defense research; local match not applicable
· Will work in conjunction with USC to create hydrogen batteries in order to reduce the weight burden for warfighters. Reducing this burden has become increasingly critical in long duration missions where multiple batteries are needed.
Energy & Water
Clemson University Cyberinstitute
· $6 million requested
· $5.55 million match available from Clemson, $1.5 million from State of SC, $2.1 million from private partners plus in-kind donations of computational infrastructure equipment on a dollar-for-dollar basis
· The Clemson University Cyberinstitute (CUCI) project will assist research universities around the State of South Carolina to perform scientific research in nanotechnology, bioinformatics/computational biology, environment/ecology and global climate change. The project links South Carolina to a nation-wide backbone of world-class university research, industry partners and cutting-edge technology entrepreneurs. CUCI will serve as a conduit for a virtual research campus that brings together cyber resources and strengths from each of South Carolina’s research institutions, including Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina.
Clemson University Cellulosic Biofuel Pilot Plant
· $5 million requested
· $1.5 million match available from Clemson, $500,000 from private partners
· Funds would be used to construct and operate a pilot plant at a brownfield industrial site in Charleston, SC to scale-up commercially viable technology for the conversion of cellulosic feedstocks from the coastal plains to biofuels and other higher value products. Clemson University partnered with the Savannah River National Lab, SC State University, & SC Bio.
Financial Services
Upstate Advanced Technology Campus Regional Robotics Center - Building 1
· $1.7 million requested
· $455,000 match available from City of Union and Union County, $350,000 from SCDOC grant
· The facility would offer specific training (hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, robotic software and diagnostics) for the automotive, aerospace, rail, and super precision industries. The building will be used by Union County, the University of South Carolina - Union, and Spartanburg Community College to develop a highly-skilled workforce. Also supported by Timken, LSP, and Sunoco.
Foreign Operations
Childhood Blindness
· Requested the following bill language
· The Committee remains concerned that 1.5 million children are currently blind, and another 7 million suffer from poor vision. The Committee recommendation includes not less than $5,000,000 for childhood blindness programs in fiscal year 2009. The Committee is also aware of the work done by CBM [Christian Blind Mission, Greenville, SC] and other organizations to assist these children, who can often be helped through simple and inexpensive methods of prevention and low cost care.
Interior & Environment
Improved Access to Sumter National Forest Resources in Union County
· $250,000 requested
· US Forest Service project; local match not applicable
· The funding would be used to improve recreational access to Sumter National Forest resources according to the Forest Service adaptive management plan. The US Forest Service will repair and upgrade facilities upon the Broad, Tyger and Enoree Rivers in Union County, SC and improve signage and mapping to allow better access for visitors.
Maple Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion
· $500,000 requested
· Matched by State Revolving Loan Fund - $12.9 million
· The Maple Creek Plant is nearing capacity due to the growth of Greer, SC. Additionally, federal regulations require Maple Creek upgrade its processes in order to secure a reliable, and safe water supply.
Transportation, HUD
Statewide Federal Aid Bridge Replacement Program (SCDOT)
· $5 million requested
· At least 20% local match provided by SCDOT
· Funding would help replace functionally obsolete or structurally deficient bridges. The SCDOT request includes a list of 15 statewide bridge projects, prioritized.
Statewide Interstate Rehabilitation Program (SCDOT)
· $5 million requested
· At least 20% local match provided by SCDOT
· Funding would allow interstates to be preserved, reconstructed, or rehabilitated. These routes are ranked in priority order based on daily traffic (ADT) volumes, length of the project, and the condition of the road.
SC 9 Interchange Improvements in Spartanburg (SCDOT/SPATS)
· $2 million requested
· At least 20% local match provided by SCDOT, Appalachian COG and SPATS
· Would include the widening of SC 9 from SC 292 to Rainbow Lake Road to a 5 lane highway with curb and gutter sections, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and enhancements.
Spartanburg Downtown Airport
· $2.37 million
· Up to $2.86 million match available from the City of Spartanburg
· Funding would be used to construct a new aircraft apron parking area in an effort to increase economic development in the area by modernizing facilities and services. Meets FAA requirements for federal funding; the FAA - Atlanta Airports District Office is in support of the project and working closely with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport on a funding plan.
Salters Road Expansion Along I-85 (SCDOT/GPATS)
· $2 million
· $1.74 million match available from the City of Greenville
· Expand road and bridge across I-85 to facilitate movement along innovative business and educational corridor that includes CU-ICAR, Millennium Park, and the planned South Financial Headquarters.
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Senate Summary Week of March 25 - 27, 2008
Senate Summary
Week of March 25 - 27, 2008
Quote of the Week: The Budget Stabilization Fund will take the State off the financial roller coaster that affects the budget on an annual basis and prevent run-a-way spending. This will spread the money out so that our growth and the handling of finances represent the 10-year average of annual revenue growth increases. Id also like to point out that there is nothing in the legislation that would prevent the General Assembly from spending less money.
Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) commenting on the Spending Cap Limits Constitutional Amendment and Budget Stabilization Fund bills passed this week by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Spending Caps Study Committee Approves Constitutional Amendment Language
Limiting the growth of state spending is the goal for a Constitutional Amendment (S.71 
being proposed by a Senate Spending Caps Study Committee. On Tuesday, March 25, the study committee, chaired by Senator Greg Gregory (R-Lancaster), approved language limiting spending growth to a rolling ten-year average of revenue increases, typically four to five percent.
This is perhaps the most important piece of legislation, in regards to the budget, that I have seen in the 24 years that I have been here, says Dr. William Gillespie, chief economist for the states Board of Economic Advisors.
The study committee also approved a measure that would place any excess revenue, beyond the spending cap, into a Budget Stabilization Fund (S.1220), which will smooth out the financial roller coaster that affects the state budget each year, says Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston). The Budget Stabilization Fund would be limited to 15% of the previous years general fund collections.
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave unanimous approval to both measures during its weekly meeting. The bills now head to the Senate Finance Committee before being debate by the full Senate.
Broadband Options Move Forward
A Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Luke Rankin (R-Horry), on Wednesday, March 26, gave key approval to the creation of the South Carolina Educational Broadband Service Commission. The seven-member commission would be charged with obtaining and evaluating proposals from private broadband providers seeking to lease South Carolina Educational Televisions excess broadcasting bandwidth.
Beginning in 2009, ETV will begin a process opening much of its licensed spectrum for other uses, including wireless broadband Internet availability.
It is imperative that we as a state maximize the value of the excess spectrum that will soon become available for expanding broadband access and pursue the most viable technology and partnership available to deliver that access, says Senator Rankin. The commission will be a key element in making sure that we do not lose the opportunity that is before us.
Budget Subcommittee Hearings Wrap-up
Senate Finance Subcommittee budget hearings drew to a close this week in preparation for full Senate Finance Committee meetings and budget debate next week. Budget debates on the Senate floor are expected to begin on April 15.
Candidate Drug Testing Caught-up in Filibuster
The Senate Republican Caucus is pushing to pass a Candidate Drug Testing bill (S. 1070) that would require anyone filing as a candidate for public office to submit the results of a recently completed drug test with candidate filing papers, but Democrat opponents have delayed the vote with a filibuster.
This is really not an issue that should be decided by a few dissenting voices, it is a matter that should be decided by the people of South Carolina, says Senate Majority Leader and sponsor of the bill Senator Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee).
Senator Peeler introduced the idea of candidate drug testing after the indictment of former State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel on drug charges. The Senate adjourned this week with Senator Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) retaining the floor setting the stage for continued debate on the bill when the Senate convenes next week.
Concealed Weapons Permit Reciprocity Stalled by House
The House of Representatives rejected Senate amendments to the concealed weapons permit bill (H.3212) this week. The bill will now be sent to a Joint Legislative Conference Committee, where three members of the Senate and three members of the House of Representatives will try to come to an agreement on the bill.
The Senate amendment increases the number of states recognizing South Carolinas concealed weapons permit while allowing an additional 14 states permit holders to legally carry a concealed weapon in South Carolina.
Critical Needs Nursing Bill Heads to the House
On Thursday, March 27, the Senate approved a measure establishing The South Carolina Critical Needs Nursing Initiative Fund (S. 1022). The bill is an effort to address the critical shortage of nurses in the state. Nationally the number of nurses required to provide adequate health care is growing, while at the same time the number of nursing schools and capacity within those schools is declining.
The fund will be used to retain nursing school faculty; attract new faculty; provide loans, grants, and scholarships to in-state resident nursing students; establish a research office to predict health care workforce needs; and provide technology to increase accessibility to clinical education needs.
DUI Conference Committee Gets Quick Start
A Joint Legislative Conference Committee charged with reconciling the differences between the Senate and House versions of the DUI Reform Bill (H.3496) began working toward a resolution this week. The two versions of the bills contain much of the same language with only two or three differences separating the chambers.
Conference committee members agreed to adopt the Senate language adding child endangerment to the list of the offenses that a person 18-years-of-age or older can be charged with if they are driving with a child in the car and their blood alcohol concentration is .08% or higher.
Moving on to areas of disagreement between the two bills, the committee began preliminary discussions on the questions a jury must answer during a DUI case and whether or not the initial question should include the various levels of blood alcohol concentration.
The conference committee chaired by Senator Larry Martin (R-Pickens) also includes Senators Jake Knotts (R-Lexington), and Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg), as well as Representatives Murrell Smith (R-Sumter), Scott Talley (R-Spartanburg), and David Weeks (D-Sumter). Committee members agreed to meet again on Wednesday, April 2.
Education Subcommittee Reviews Accountability Act
A Senate Education Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Wes Hayes (R-York), heard testimony Thursday, March 27, on proposed changes to the Education Accountability Act (H.4662). Barbara Hairfield from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee, and Kristin Maquire from the State Board of Education, both commented on amendments to the Education Accountability Act recently passed by the House.
Sandy Smith, a representative from the Department of Education presented additional amendments to the subcommittee for consideration and answered questions concerning the amendment. Subcommittee members will take the weekend to review the new amendments proposed by the Department of Education and are expected to meet again on Tuesday, April 1, at 2:00 PM in the Gressette Building.
Teen Driving Course Directed to Full Transportation Committee
A Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Chip Campsen (R-Charleston), gave a favorable report to a bill (S.997) that would require teens 15-years-of-age seeking a conditional drivers license, after December 31, 2008, to successfully complete a teen defensive driving course approved by the Department of Public Safety.
The bill is expected to be on the agenda of the full Senate Transportation Committee when it meets next week.
Water -Withdrawal Permitting Continues to Meander Through Legislative Process
The debate on the water-withdrawal permitting bill (S.42 took a dramatic shift this week when Senator Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley) offered an amendment creating an advisory council to study suitable withdrawal levels for the various free-flowing waterways in the state. The amendment moved the legislative debate away from the formulas of water-withdrawal and toward a broader discussion of how to best utilize a valuable natural resource.
Senator Grooms amendment proposes the creation of an eleven-member council with the scientific expertise necessary to understand the true impact of minimum flow levels on a river or stream. The council, as proposed in the amendment, would include: the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs; the Director of the Department of Natural Resources; and the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The advisory council will also include seven appointees by the Governor that must include representatives from the major stakeholders such as: environmental; recreational; manufacturing, business and industry; agricultural; energy producers; public water utilities; and an at-large chairman.
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Senator Danny Verdin (R-Laurens) expects to have the bill before the full Senate around mid-April.
Coming Next Week:
Senate Finance Committee will begin budget meetings on Monday, March 31, at 1 PM in room 105 of the Gressette Building.
Lt. Governor Bauer and State Legislators form the first Workforce and Affordable Housing CAUCUS
Lt. Governor Bauer and State Legislators form the first Workforce and Affordable Housing CAUCUS
Columbia, SC– Lt. Governor André Bauer said more than 50 legislators have joined a new affordable and workforce housing caucus.
The caucus, an outgrowth of the Lt. Governor’s Special Task Force on Affordable Housing, will meet April 9 in Room 321 of the Blatt Building. The caucus was organized by Rep. Harold Mitchell (D-Spartanburg), who chairs the task force.
“One of the primary goals of the caucus is to educate the members of the General Assembly. Affordable housing is more extensive than most people realize. It is not public housing but rather a resource for the working sector of our state,” said Representative Mitchell.
Valarie Williams, South Carolina Finance and Development Authority director, presented a report on the statewide impact of affordable and workforce housing at the first caucus meeting on Feb. 27, and Tammie Hoy of the Lowcountry Housing Trust in Charleston also made a presentation on the current status of Affordable Housing in South Carolina. The event was well-attended by House and Senate members of both parties from communities across the state.
The purpose of the South Carolina Workforce and Affordable Housing Special Interest Caucus is to assist in providing South Carolina legislators with the information that they need to ensure that affordable, safe, and quality housing is accessible and available for all South Carolinians. The increasing cost of housing combined with stagnant incomes and a limited supply of workforce and affordable housing has made it difficult for modest income residents in our state to find decent and affordable housing. Many hardworking individuals that are instrumental to the functioning of the community are being priced out. To ensure our economic competitiveness in the marketplace and to preserve our overall quality of life, we must work in a collaborative effort to create and support statewide initiatives that generate housing choices for all South Carolinians.
Data indicate that one in three households spends over 30 percent of their incomes on housing, with many spending over 50 percent. With housing prices rising faster than per capita income, individuals and families that are over-spending on housing may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and health care. These individuals and families are also forced to move further away from economic and employment centers in order to find housing that is affordable. This phenomenon creates regional sprawl and increases costly infrastructure needs such as roads and sewer lines. The availability of affordable housing is also crucial in the economic development of South Carolina as we attempt to recruit businesses and corporations that are increasingly concerned with the availability and proximity of affordable housing.
The Workforce and Affordable Housing Caucus will work closely with the South Carolina Affordable Housing Study Committee under the Lt. Governor’s Office and other organizations to achieve the following:
· Increase education and awareness of workforce and affordable housing issues throughout the state
· Increase workforce and affordable housing supple through production and funding opportunities
· Identify and reduce regulatory barriers to the development of workforce and affordable housing
· Identify and support legislation that promotes the increased development of workforce and affordable housing
· Improve the coordination of housing planning, policy, and programs
· Increase the workforce and affordable housing supply in rural and underserved communities throughout the state
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