February 24, 2006
Things are Heating Up in Columbia and It’s Not Due to the Weather
As the state budget is being written more discretionary funds are available, in large part due to the growth of tourism in 2005. Good signs were starting to show, with preliminary funding provisions made for various projects, including I-73, additional tourism promotion, the local children’s museum, the Official S.C. Hall of Fame (located at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center) and beach renourishment. In fact, this budget was on track to include the largest increase in tourism
destination promotion funding in the state’s history!
The process was temporarily halted when Gov. Sanford weighed in on the process, suggesting that the “new money” should be returned to the taxpayers. This is the first of many budget battles in Columbia this year. The budget was reported out to the House Ways & Means Committee this week. Debate will continue in the House before a budget
is passed to the Senate.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign
The House moved quickly to override Gov. Sanford’s veto of a bill limiting local governments’ ability to restrict outdoor advertising. This bill would force communities to pay just compensation for the relocation or removal of billboards in individual communities. The vote was 78-25 to override.
Workers’ Compensation Reform is Moving
The House Labor, Commerce and Industry (LCI) Subcommittee passed the workers’ compensation bill (H. 4427) supported by many groups, including the chamber of commerce. This bill could reduce workers’ compensation rates by as much as 14 percent. This bill is a good first step toward reforming our outdated workers’ compensation system in South Carolina. The bill now moves onto the full LCI Committee.
Thumbs Up to Cathy Harvin, widow of the late Alex Harvin, who was recently elected and sworn in to take the office formerly held for decades by her late husband.
Two thumbs up to the House of Representatives for passing a resolution and offering a heartfelt standing ovation in honor of the late Alex Harvin, one of the most compassionate men ever to serve in the South Carolina General Assembly.
Thumbs Up to Rep. Tracy Edge for withstanding the constant pressure put on him by critics of the House budget, including the governor. If Rep. Edge has his way, we will have the largest increase in the state’s destination promotion funding ever! Stay the course, Tracy, stay the course!
Quick Updates
- H. 4449 – After passed by the House, the property tax reform bill was sent to the Senate and now is with the Committee on Finance.
- H. 4450 - This bill proposes adding Article X regarding property tax reform to the constitution. It passed in the House and is currently in the Senate’s Judiciary Committee.
- S. 1035 - The Senate workers' compensation bill is still being studied by the Judiciary Committee. H. 3795 - House bill prohibiting smoking in restaurants remains in the House Committee on Judiciary. S. 1001 - The credit block bill is being studied by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
The General Assembly designated the amethyst as the Official State Gem Stone in 1969. South Carolina also has an official state fruit, beverage, hospitality beverage, flower, tree, stone and grass, along with several types of dances and animals. If you want to find out what they are, check out the Statehouse’s Web site.
