May 5, 2005
Week in Review
State
I-73: On Monday, May 9, the U.S. Senate will resume debate on the six-year reauthorization of transportation funding. The House version included earmarks for I-73 and the final version could include a designation of national significance for the I-73/I-74 corridor. A bipartisan amendment calls for $16 billion more than the House version - supporters say this could increase funding for interstate projectors, opponents say it could draw a veto from the White House.
Late School Starts: A proposed referendum would allow voters statewide to show their support for a uniform later school start date. Though this would not be a binding referendum, it would likely demonstrate the widespread support that currently exists for a uniform later school start. Eighty percent of parents prefer it, 70 percent of teachers prefer it ... sadly, many school districts are ignoring this and sending children back the first week of August. Some school boards have even begun to discuss starting in late July. Binding or not, the referendum would shed light on this unnecessary restriction.
Minibottles: Are we there yet??? Six months after South Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved a change, the House and Senate have finally passed legislation enabling bars and restaurants to choose between minibottles and free pour. Because there are differences in the two versions, details will be ironed out in a conference committee. After months of debate and intense lobbying by the liquor industry, it appears are we finally close to resolving this issue ... making us the 50th state to allow businesses a choice of distribution.
H-2B Visa: A joint committee approved the Small and Seasonal Businesses Act ( S 352 ), providing relief on the immigration caps applied to H-2B worker visas. Unnecessary limits were being applied, limiting the ability of local businesses to hire seasonal international student workers. Full approval in both the House and Senate could occur next week and processing of visas could begin within 2-3 weeks after that. Just weeks ago, this legislation appeared Dead On Arrival but due to intense lobbying by a number of trade associations and many small businesses, Congress has acted quickly and decisively
Speaker of the House: With Speaker David Wilkins the next likely Ambassador to Canada, we regret to see him soon depart from the statehouse but wish him well in his new endeavors. Speaker Wilkins has been a great friend to tourism and to the Grand Strand - his leadership will be missed. The race for the speakership is heating up and promises to be interesting. Stay tuned!
Legislative Agenda (More Bill Tracking)
| Bill Name | Summary of Bill | Chamber's Position | Status |
| State Legislation | |||
| Sale of Alcoholic Liquor | |||
| >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. |
|
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 |
| H-2B Visa | |||
| S352 | Allows students previously working summer jobs to return to same employer. | The chamber supports this measure. |
Referred to Judiciary Committee |
| Association Health Plans | |||
|
HR 525 S 406 |
Allows nonprofit chambers and associations to sponsor and offer health plans | The chamber supports these bills |
Passed House subcommittee; sent to Senate subcommittee |
Hit or Miss
Hit to Senator Rankin for pushing the late school start issue. After attempting to pass this legislation through the Senate Education Committee, he has proposed a non-binding statewide referendum on the issue.
Hit to Tom Sponseller and the Hospitality Association of South Carolina. Last week's Hospitality Day at the Statehouse was a tremendous show of support and recognition for the state's top industry. In only its second year, this event has become one of the most popular at the statehouse.
Hit to the Myrtle Beach City Council for placing a "Thank You for Visiting" message on its vehicle fleet. Great example for the rest of us to follow. Now that's first in service!
Hit to our state delegation for honoring Mr. Zeb Thomas Sr. this week by requesting a bridge be named in his honor.
Miss on the study of Santee Cooper. We spent thousands of dollars to learn (in a study released Thursday)that Santee Cooper is a big asset which returns millions to the state coffers? Better yet, the report confirmed that Santee Cooper helps to hold down utility rates! We're desperately seeking funds for new roads and an expanded airport. Next time, call us first.
In the News
Over the last half-dozen years, annual double-digit premium increases have meant that many businesses have experienced a doubling or more of their health care expenses, forcing many to reduce or drop coverage altogether.
The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 ( S.406 ) would allow for the creation of association health plans (AHPs) under the same federal law that governs the health benefits for large employers and unions. Through AHPs, small businesses are projected to experience a premium savings of 15 percent to 30 percent and gain more health plan choices. Read More