May 23, 2008
Highlights of the 19th week (May 11-17) and 20th week (May 18-24) of the session include legislative action and activities on the upcoming state budget, cigarette tax, immigration reform, school testing and an authority for Horry County airports. Just two weeks remain in this legislative session.
Victory! Upcoming State Budget Restores Tourism Dollars
Members of the South Carolina budget conference committee, as well as the House and Senate, have passed the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The $7 billion spending plan proposes $10 million for the 2-for-1 state matching grant for destination-specific marketing. Half of the $10 million allotment comes from adjustments to the state’s capital reserve fund, which is subject to receipts through the end of the fiscal year and could be adjusted after passage if necessary. The budget will now be sent to Gov. Mark Sanford for his approval.
A number of legislators should be commended for their diligence in supporting tourism promotion: the Horry County delegation as well as Dan Cooper, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; Hugh Leatherman, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee; Glenn McConnell, President Pro-Tem of the Senate; and Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the House.
Cigarette Tax
A consensus among House members has not been reached to pass the Senate’s version of the bill, which proposes 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. Many House members, along with Gov. Mark Sanford, say they will not support a tax increase unless it is used to cut other taxes.
Immigration Reform
The immigration reform issue continues to smolder, with the main differences between the House and Senate over enforcement of the law. One of the difficulties is over how much authority the state has to enforce any immigration laws because that is currently federal government territory. Legislators are confident that a bill will pass before the end of the legislative session.
New Authority for Horry County Airports
Sen. Luke Rankin has filed a bill that establishes an authority to oversee the operations of Horry County airports. Rep. Alan Clemmons has filed an identical bill in the House. Sen. Rankin and Rep. Clemmons said that in addition to higher airfares and limited air service, the failed attempt to build a new terminal pushed the need for the legislation. The bills will not pass this year, with just two weeks remaining. Horry County’s three other senators are cool to the idea of forcing the arrangement over Horry County’s protest. A public hearing will be held.
PACT Testing to End
The Senate has approved a bill that ends PACT testing for third- through eighth-graders in schools after this year. Instead of PACT, students will take essay-type tests, which take longer to grade, in March and multiple-choice tests in May. The changes also are expected to give parents and the public information that’s easier to understand about school performance, saving $500,000 a year. The House must decide whether to agree with the Senate’s changes.
On the Net
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
SCStateHouse.net
House.gov
Senate.gov
USA.gov
SCChamber.net
USChamber.com
I-73.com
