June 3, 2005
Week in Review
State
Minibottle legislation finally passed and with no time to spare. On the last day of the legislative session, the South Carolina Legislature gave the voters what they asked for: A choice! Businesses and consumers will now be able to choose their preferred distribution. After decades of unnecessary regulation and over-taxation, we win!
International Trade Center funding was appropriated, opening the door for a municipality to stake claim to those funds and use them to begin development of an International Trade and Convention Center in South Carolina. Despite the governor's veto, the House and Senate overwhelmingly overrode the veto, setting aside $7 million for establishment of an International Trade Center. Now, the next question, who gets the money: Myrtle Beach or Greenville? Stay tuned.
Rep. Bobby Harrell (R-Charleston), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, was elected speaker of the House. Harrell will replace Speaker David Wilkins (R-Greenville), who resigned his position Thursday to become the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Congratulations to both of these gentlemen are in order. Both Speaker Wilkins and Speaker-elect Harrell have been good friends to the Grand Strand and to tourism in general.
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. |
Passed House and Senate; in Conference Committee | |
| 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; signed by governor |
| Highway Funding | |||
| 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 and Senate; referred to Conference Committee |
| H-2B Visa | |||
| S352 | Allows students previously working summer jobs to return to same employer. | The chamber supports this measure. |
Passed House and Senate |
| 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 the entire Grand Strand delegation - for a job well done! 2005 has been an exceptional year for legislation impacting Grand Strand businesses. We thank you.
Hit to Rep. Bobby Harrell (R-Charleston) for being elected our next speaker of the House. Speaker-elect Harrell has been a good friend to the Grand Strand and to the tourism industry in general. Speaker-elect Harrell understands the needs of small business, likes tourism and appreciates the Grand Strand. We look forward to hearing the new speaker take the dais and say those magic words - ''Uniform Late School Start.''
Hit to the House and Senate for approving the minibottle legislation and the International Trade Center funding. These common-sense provisions can directly benefit the Grand Strand - well done, ladies and gentlemen!
Miss to the three House members and three senators who voted against the Trade Center funding. Some say that tourism is not economic development. Last we checked, economic development is about creating jobs and generating revenues … perhaps these six legislators need to come here and take a closer look at the state's cash cow. Hey folks, we didn't become the second fastest growing destination in the Eastern United States without creating a few jobs and generating some state tax revenues along the way. Gimme a break!
Miss to Rep. Dan Tripp (R-Mauldin) for a vicious personal attack levied on Rep. Bobby Harrell. This is “politics of personal destruction'' at its worst. We suggest Rep. Tripp take a little R&R here at the beach and, while here, break open a copy of Dale Carnegie's famous book ''How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
In The News
Farewell to Minibottles - A Senate-House Conference Committee agreed to a deal that would clear the way for free-pour liquor to be served in South Carolina. Starting Jan. 1, 2006, bars and restaurants could begin using the larger free-pour bottles in addition to minibottles. And starting July 1, 2005, or when Gov. Sanford signs the bill, locally owned liquor retailers will be allowed to deliver minibottles. A study group made up of three senators and three House members will meet after two years to decide if liquor delivery has been fair and competitive.