May 12, 2009
Highlights of the 16th week (April 26) and 17th week (May 3) of the S.C. General Assembly session include legislative action and activities on the state budget, cigarette tax and session adjournment.
State Budget (Fiscal Year 2009-2010)
A final state budget proposal will be taken up by the House and Senate this week. The budget is expected to be approved quickly, as lawmakers will be adjourning early this session, May 21, to save money.
Rep. Tracy Edge (R-North Myrtle Beach) spearheaded the placement of $1 million in the budget for Interstate 73/74 planning, consistent with the past six years. Also, 2-for-1 tourism marketing funds of $2 million have been included.
The biggest budget differences between the chambers involve spending $350 million in federal stimulus cash and plans to force Gov. Mark Sanford to apply for the money. The House spread the money throughout its budget, but the Senate created a separate section for the federal cash, clearly delineating what will happen if Sanford doesn’t request the stimulus money.
Cigarette Tax
The state’s cigarette tax would increase 50 cents per pack under a plan legislators approved Thursday that is expected to face a veto from the governor. With a 16-5 vote, the Senate Finance Committee agreed to raise the nation’s lowest cigarette tax from 7 cents to 57 cents a pack, which would be imposed in July. If passed, the cigarette tax would raise $145 million. The proposal creates a trust fund for the money and puts off spending decisions until next year.
General Assembly Adjournment
The General Assembly has introduced a resolution that allows them to return to Columbia anytime between June and January. This would allow legislators to return to deal with vetoes, budget problems or the ongoing stimulus cash battle with the governor. Sources: Information has been compiled from reports in The Sun News (Myrtle Beach), The State (Columbia) and Associated Press.
For legislative tracking on specific bills, visit the chamber's Government Relations page.
On the Net
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
SCStateHouse.net
House.gov
Senate.gov
USA.gov
SCChamber.net
USChamber.com
I-73.com
