Mar. 28, 2005

Week in Review

State

Minibottle legislation is moving forward ... or is it? After much debate (mostly over delivery methods), the Senate appeared ready to pass its bill that allows for a choice of big or small bottles and protects the Class B retailers. Surprisingly, at second reading by the full Senate, the bill was sent to Senate Finance for review. We hope this is just a precautionary step and not a move to stall progress.

Aynor area residents voiced concerns over the I-73 route during a meeting held last week with officials of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Their comments, along with input gathered from previous communitywide meetings, will help officials determine the S.C. route. Next step: Huge push for funding.

The Senate Finance Committee voted last week to adopt a plan that would cut taxes on small business owners who file as individuals. The bill would gradually cut taxes for about 300,000 small businesses — “S” corporations and some limited liability partnerships — over four years. The rate would drop to 5 percent from the current 7 percent.

Nine members of the South Carolina House of Representatives introduced legislation that would make it unlawful for a person to smoke or possess lighted smoking material in any form in a restaurant with a fine of between $50 and $75 for violations. The bill (H 3795) has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

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” on April 12 and 13. Talk with your state’s congressional delegation on important legislative issues affecting our area, including I-73, transportation, airport expansion, beach renourishment, proposed international trade center and deepwater ocean outfalls. Read More

Join fellow South Strand chamber members at a breakfast meeting to discuss road issues affecting the South Strand area. The South Strand Roads Initiatives Meeting will be held April 18 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, 1601 N. Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach. Talk with local and state elected officials and learn about issues affecting this area, such as the southern hurricane evacuation route, South Strand connector and other road concerns. Call our South Strand Welcome Center for reservations at 651-1010. A complimentary breakfast will be served.

This year's Hospitality Day at the State House featuring "A Taste of South Carolina" will be held April 27. The event provides business leaders with the opportunity to talk with their lawmakers. 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 by Senate Judiciary and moved to Finance Committee; House Ways and Means Committee 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 six-year reauthorization of highway bill.	The chamber supports this measure, which includes interstate funding.	Passed House (417-9); Senate begins debate
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 Sen. Elliott for working tirelessly to push needed reform to our liquor laws.

Hit to Sen. Rankin for calling public hearings on Santee Cooper and its governance.

In the News

Gasoline prices continue to rise as the busy tourist season quickly approaches. Although crude oil prices dropped a few dollars a barrel last week don’t expect to see the numbers roll back at the pump anytime soon.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U. S. Chamber is strongly supporting the highest possible funding for reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), legislation that would fund our roads, bridges and transit systems for the next six years. The measure has passed the House and will soon come before the Senate. Read More