February 3 , 2006
House Passes Uniform Late School Start Bill
The House voted 82-33 Wednesday in favor of the uniform late school start date (H. 4429). The bill prohibits schools in South Carolina from starting their school year earlier than the third Monday of August. This is a huge success for South Carolina parents and Grand Strand businesses.
“We'd like to thank our delegation and the other members of the House of Representatives that supported this initiative, especially Rep. Ronny Townsend who spearheaded this bill,” said W. Wayne Gray, chamber chairman. "We feel this bill represents a fair balance among the need for a more traditional summer vacation for South Carolina families, the time the educational system needs to successfully educate our children, and the needs of the business community that will in turn generate more tax dollars for education."
Half the battle is won and the bill now will be moving to the Senate. The chamber is hopeful, especially because of the support from South Carolina parents, the Senate will move as quickly as the House did on passing the uniform late school start date bill.
S.C. Legislators Party with "Access Hollywood" Star Nancy O’Dell
This year’s Grand Strand Legislative Reception, hosted by the chamber and sponsored by Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Horry County Schools, was a huge success with 75 legislators and more than 320 other guests attending the event. Many legislators even commented that the Grand Strand Legislative Reception is one of the best of the year. The annual reception is a chance for chamber and local business leaders to meet and greet the state’s legislators and to ultimately keep the Grand Strand on the minds of our lawmakers.
A highlight of the reception was an appearance by special guest Nancy O’Dell, co-host of NBC Universal’s “Access Hollywood” and Myrtle Beach native. Prior to the reception, Nancy was recognized in the House by Rep. Alan Clemmons and in the Senate by Sen. Luke Rankin for being a good will ambassador for Myrtle Beach and South Carolina . Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer also presented Nancy with a proclamation from Gov. Sanford naming Feb. 1 “ Nancy O’Dell Day.”
(Photo: Sen. Luke Rankin presents the Senate Resolution to Nancy O'Dell while Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer watches in the background.)
Other Bills Worth Keeping an Eye On
S. 1035 - The Senate workers' compensation bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.
H. 4427 - The workers' compensation bill is with the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.
H. 3795 - House bill prohibiting smoking in restaurants.
H. 4449 - The House bill regarding property tax reform has passed the Ways and Means Committee with amendments.
H. 4450 - The House bill regarding a property tax reform amendment to the S.C. Constitution has passed the Ways and Means Committee.
S. 1001 - The credit block bill is being studied by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
Did you know?
South Carolina got its name from Carolus, a word derived from the Latin form of Charles in honor of King Charles I of England. His son, King Charles II, changed the spelling of the region's name to Carolina in 1663, when he gave the land to the eight Lords Proprietors. During the 17th century the land to the south came to be called South Carolina and the area to the north, North Carolina.
