Mar. 11, 2005

Week in Review

State

Minibottle legislation is moving! The S.C. House ratified the 2004 referendum - somewhat of a formality, but it means that any law related to free pour only requires a simple majority instead of a two-thirds vote. The S.C. Senate subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Dick Elliott, finished hearings and approved legislation (S 165), allowing businesses to choose their preferred distribution (minibottle or free pour) and permitting Class B distributors to deliver. This legislation will move to the full Senate Judiciary Committee next week. The S.C. House also held hearings on two similar bills (H 3638) and (H 3676). The state's economist, Dr. Neil Gillespie, again confirmed that this legislation is revenue neutral to the state.

The Senate wrapped up nearly three weeks of debate on legislation that would limit certain types of lawsuits, reaching a compromise on who should pay settlements in cases involving multiple defendants. The tort reform plan previously approved by the S.C. House ( H 3008) says defendants who are less than 50 percent responsible would not have to pick up all the damages. Details will be ironed out in conference committee but meaningful tort reform is now a reality.

Two public information meetings on the I-73 routes were held this week that provided the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) with an opportunity to gather input from residents and businesses. Impact on personal property and economic development were major concerns for those who turned out for the public hearings. Two possible corridors, with seven -combinations to contain the I-73 route, were unveiled. Each corridor ties into Veteran's Highway (S.C. 22).

I-74 got a hand with the announcement of $7 million in federal funding for right of way acquisition and construction of two interchanges in Columbus County, N.C. I-74 will eventually merge with N.C. 211 and connect to Carolina Bays Parkway.

Federal

The United States House voted this week in favor of the Transportation Bill (HR 3), commonly referred to as TEA-LU, by a vote of 417-9. This bill authorizes $284 billion for transportation funding over the next six years and includes a $618 million increase for South Carolina, as compared to the previous transportation authorization bill. This six-year bill is essential for future road construction projects and includes limited funding for I-73, Carolina Bays Parkway and the Southern Connector. Congressman Henry Brown requested $18 million earmarked for Grand Strand road projects, including I-73, and Congressman John Spratt also requested an additional $10 million for I-73. Next up, the Senate will begin debate on similar legislation.

The United States Senate voted this week to support the "Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005." (S 256). This bipartisan bill would make it more difficult to erase medical bills, credit card charges and other debts by declaring bankruptcy. House approval is expected next month.

The Senate rejected two proposals to raise the minimum wage - one would have increased the rate by 41 percent over the next two years, and a second offered a smaller increase and a number of benefits for small businesses.

Upcoming Events

Join the region's top business and community leaders as we journey to our nation's capital for the 2005 Washington, D.C. Fly-In "The Grand Strand Goes to Washington" onApril 12 and 13. This is your opportunity to talk with your state's congressional delegation on important legislative issues affecting our area, including I-73, transportation, airport expansion, beach renourishment, international trade center and deepwater ocean outfalls. Read More

Join the South Strand Council of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting to discuss important road issues affecting the South Strand area. The meeting will be held April 18 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, 1601 N. Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach. Talk with local and state elected officials and learn about significant issues affecting their area, such as the southern hurricane evacuation route, South Strand connector and other road concerns. Please call our South Strand Welcome Center for reservations at 651-1010. A complimentary breakfast will be served.

This year's Taste of South Carolina Hospitality Day at the State House is April 27. The event provides business leaders with the opportunity to talk with their lawmakers about issues that impact their businesses. Read More

Legislative Agenda (More Bill Tracking)

Bill Name	Summary of Bill	Chamber's Position	Status
State Legislation
Sale of Alcoholic Liquor
S 165 H 3638 H 3676	Bills pertaining to alcoholic liquors and beverages regulates liquor sales, distribution and tax.	The chamber supports these regulations.	Approved and referred to Senate Judiciary; House subcommittee holding hearings
Tort Reform
S 83 H 3008	Various provisions of the Economic Development, Citizens and Small Business Protection Act of 2005, which provides diverse measures of tort reform. Includes various provisions relating to liability for damage, wrongful death; frivolous lawsuit sanctions; elimination of joint and several liability.	The chamber supports meaningful tort reform, including the amount of money spent on tort claims.	Passed Senate and House
Highway Funding
H 3134 H 3137 H 3220 H 3296	Various measures to alter and/or increase state highway funding.	The chamber desires highway funding for new projects.	Referred to Ways and Means Committee
Federal Legislation
Surface Transportation Legislation
HR-3	Funds 6-year reauthorization of highway bill.	The chamber supports this measure, which includes interstate funding.	Will be introduced in the U.S. House next week
S352	Allows students previously working summer jobs to return to same employer.	The chamber supports this measure.	Referred to Judiciary Committee

Hit or Miss

Hit to Senator Dick Elliott for leading the Senate subcommittee in their effort to pass free pour legislation. Well done, Mr. Senator!

Hit to Congressman Henry Brown and his peers in the U.S. House of Representatives for an overwhelming vote of support for the Transportation Reauthorization bill.

Hit to Betty Mabry and the SCDOT team for an extraordinary effort to seek input and guidance from local residents and businesses as they evaluate the potential I-73 corridors.

Miss to those trying to pass a "Hog Farm Bill" (S 304) by tying agricultural to tourism, ultimately limiting the ability of local governments to govern. Tourists may eat bacon, sausage and BBQ but they don't care to see it made while on vacation. Try again!