May 9, 2008
Highlights of the 17th week (April 27-May 3) and 18th week (May 4-10) of the session include legislative action and activities on the upcoming state budget, cigarette tax, immigration reform and sales tax for school capital projects. Four weeks remain in this legislative session.
FY 2008-2009 State Budget
In its revised version of the state budget, the House has replaced the $12 million in tourism funds that the Senate cut. The proposal restores $10 million in 2-1 destination matching money for tourism promotion and $2 million for general tourism promotion. The chamber had been awarded about three-fourths of the $10 million in this fiscal year ending June 30. Also being proposed is $6 million primarily for Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s nursing program to help address the nursing shortage. The amended budget heads to a conference committee for the House and Senate to prepare a final version.
Cigarette Tax
The Senate has approved a 50-cent-a-pack cigarette tax increase (a total of 57 cents) that would be used for expansion of state Medicaid programs and for smoking cessation programs. The funds would generate $158.9 million and could help about 178,000 people who don’t have medical insurance.
Immigration Reform
Under a new House-approved version of an immigration bill, private employers would be required to ask newly hired employees for a S.C. driver’s license or verify workers’ legal status using a federal employment database. Businesses failing to comply could lose their licenses for up to 30 days. The bill returns to the Senate, which must decide whether to accept the changes.
If approved, the new law would go into effect July 2009 for businesses who employ more than 100 workers. Those with fewer than 100 employees would have to comply by July 2010. The S.C. Department of Revenue would enforce the law.
Sales Tax for School Capital Projects
The Senate has passed a revised bill that allows school districts to partner with local colleges for a 1 percent capital project sales tax, if voters approve. The Senate’s version expanded on the eligibility of countywide school districts to all school districts. The House bill, sponsored by Horry County legislators, was originally written for Horry County Schools, Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The Senate’s bill allows for the tax to be imposed for up to 15 years. The measure is on the House Ways and Means Committee agenda next week.
On the Net
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
SCStateHouse.net
House.gov
Senate.gov
USA.gov
SCChamber.net
USChamber.com
I-73.com
