tys (told you so)
August 11, 2008
Since the beginning, I’ve been telling ya’ll we’ve got to quit spending and making obligations that we can’t afford in the future. I began this blog in 2005 after first being elected. I quickly learned of the overflow of cash comming into the coffers of the state. Instead of spending every penny that come’s in, why not build up trust funds and make one time improvements on our roads?
It’s not a revenue problem, it is a spending problem as I have been telling you this: Here05.04.17, Here05.06.17, Here05.12.14, Here06.21.06,
Here06.02.09, Here06.02.08, Here06.04.30, Here06.05.18, Here06.05.12, Here06.06.05, Here06.12.07, Here07.01.28, Here07.03.15, Here07.04.30, Here07.04.27, Here07.04.26, Here07.04.24, Here07.04.24, Here07.04.21, Here07.04.12, Here07.05.20, Here07.06.21, Here07.06.06, Here07.08.31, Here07.10.19, Here07.11.08, Here08.01.31, Here08.01.09, Here08.02.20, Here08.02.19, Here08.02.14, Here08.03.26, Here08.03.20, Here08.03.13, Here08.04.30, Here08.04.16, Here08.04.15, Here08.04.10, Here08.04.09, Here08.04.08, Here08.04.04, Here08.05.27, Here08.05.20, Here08.06.19, Here08.06.09, Here08.06.05, and Here08.07.29,
Tax revenue down, comptroller says from the Charleston Post and Courier
COLUMBIA — South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom said Thursday that tax collections fell by as much as 3 percent in July.
Eckstrom said he expects the state’s financial leaders on Tuesday will set aside a state reserve account to head off future shortfalls from a weak economy. And he said he expects the state will set aside money from agency budgets.
Eckstrom said data he reviewed showed that state income tax refunds in July increased by about $27 million from year-ago levels.
wrac (water resources advisory committee)
August 8, 2008
You may know of wrac, the ad-hoc committee created last summer by Rep. Don Bowen to draft legislation creating a study to find out how South Carolina can restructure our various agencies into a single entity to manage our water on a statewide basis. Only the good Lord can decide how much water is to flow in our beautiful rivers, creeks, and lakes, so we must be stewards of this water to ensure all interests are satisfied. The committee consisted of Mike Massey (former Lake Hartwell Association President), Rep. Don Bowen, Councilman Bob Waldrep, Janice McCord (Rep. Gresham Barrett), Susan Aiken (Sen. Jim DeMint), Jerry Craft (business associate with Rep. Bowen), Gene Eidson (Clemson University), Tom Allen and myself. The chairman of Agriculture, Sen. Danny Verdin and I felt it would be best to deal with S. 428 by Sen. Wes Hayes (R-York) which deals with withdrawal permitting before we took up our bill. Unfortunately, S. 428 died on the floor, yet I’m confident it will be on the front burner next session.
Here’s our bill:
S 0925 General Bill, By Bryant and Hayes
Similar (H 4393)
A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 49, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND COORDINATION BY ADDING ARTICLE 3 SO AS TO ENACT THE “SOUTH CAROLINA COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE WATER MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2008″, INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO REQUIRE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE FOR PRINCIPLES ON WHICH SUCH PROGRAM MUST BE BASED; TO REQUIRE ALL WATER WITHDRAWAL PERMIT DECISIONS TO BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRAM;
Assessment Notice Schedule
August 6, 2008
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
THE SENATE
For Immediate Release
August 6, 2008
Bryant Continues Fight for Greater Transparency
Wants Property Valuation Notices to be Mailed Prior to End of Fiscal Year
Columbia, SC - Senator Kevin Bryant (R-Anderson) continues to fight for greater transparency in state and local government. Senator Bryant wants county tax officials to send out new property value notices at least 60 days before the end of a county’s fiscal year, so taxpayers can have a better understanding of how much money is being collected due to an increase in property values.
“I am working on legislation that would require counties to send reassessment notices to taxpaying homeowners 60 days prior to the end of the county’s fiscal year,” says Senator Bryant. “Many taxpayers in Anderson County are still in the dark about the reassessed value of their property and the potential impact on their personal finances.”
Senator Bryant wants taxpayers to have a greater understanding of how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. “It is all about information. The more people understand about how government is using their money, the more likely they are to hold elected officials accountable for fiscal responsibility.”
South Carolina law (Section 12-43-217) requires counties to “appraise and equalize” property once every five years and send notice to the property owner if the value or classification increase is more than $1,000. Although the notice is required, there is no specific time frame of when notice of the increase should be provided. The legislation being drafted by Senator Bryant would put a specific time frame in place. The reassessment valuation notice differs from the annual tax notice that is sent out annually.
Senator Bryant is joined in his desire to see legislation requiring a time schedule for reassessment notices by fellow Senators Larry Grooms (R- Berkeley), Greg Ryberg (R-Aiken), and Danny Verdin (R-Laurens).
Senator Bryant expects to pre-file the legislation in December ahead of the 2009 legislative session.
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Gresh on Gas
August 5, 2008
Congressman Gresham Barrett remains in DC to demand Democrats come back to find solutions for our energy crisis. Here’s an interview with Mike Green.
SC Senate Republican Caucus Report
August 5, 2008
Making Change Happen is more than a slogan. Making change happen defines the core of the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus. Over the last four years, the Senate Republican Caucus has been making change happen through tax relief, improved education opportunities, and by tackling some of the state’s most pressing issues. Here are just a few of the highlights from the beginning of this term which started in January of 2005.
Tax Relief
Since 2005, the South Carolina Republican Caucus has voted to return more than $1 billion annually to taxpayers.
2005 - Small Business Income Tax Relief returns $129 million annually
2006 - Property Tax Relief/swap for .01 sales tax returns $480 million annually
2007 - Grocery Tax Relief returns $335 million annually
2007 - Elimination of bottom income tax bracket returns $86 Million annually
The Senate Republican Caucus has also helped to stimulate economic development by extending business tax-incentives and creating a pro-growth environment for business in the Palmetto State.
Education
Education is one of the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus’ top priorities. Over the last four years the Caucus has worked to improve educational opportunities and standards for students.
2005 - High school course work customized to match students individual career interests.
2006 - Started a pilot program for full-day 4-year-old Kindergarten.
2006 - $11.3 million in new money went to help unsatisfactory and below average schools and districts.
2007 - Caucus fought to give all high school age students access to new virtual learning internet-based classrooms.
2008 - Maintained teacher salaries at $300 above Southeast average to attract more qualified teachers.
2008 - Eliminated Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test - State Department of Education currently developing new test to be given during for the first time during the 2008-2009 school year.
The Senate Republican Caucus realizes the economic future of our state rests in the hands of today’s children. Providing an education that meets the demands of the 21st century will remain at the forefront of our mission.
Social Issues
As South Carolinians we place great importance on conservative, family-values. The South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus also supports the preservation of these values.
2005 - Voted to put to a referendum the elimination of the state mandate of mini bottles in bars and restaurants
2006 - Unborn Victims of Violence Act redefined “person” for criminal statutes to include a fetus.
2006 - Expanded the definition of “safe havens” to included law enforcement agencies, synagogues, and churches as places a newborn can be taken when parents are unable/unwilling to provide adequate care.
2006 - The Youth Access to Tobacco Prevention Act made it illegal for minors to possess, purchase or be given tobacco products.
2006 - Jessica’s Law increased minimum sentencing for first-degree sexual conduct to 25 years and allows for capital punishment to be sought for a second offense against children under age 11.
2008 - Ultrasound bill requires physicians to perform ultrasound on women seeking an abortion after 14 weeks. Women must be notified of their right to see ultrasound images at anytime.
2008 - Public Invocation procedures were outlined, giving local governments appropriate guidelines to open meetings with the time-honored tradition of prayer.
The Senate Republican Caucus is dedicated to maintaining a strong conservative agenda that represents the majority of those living in and choosing to move to the Palmetto State.
Economic Development
South Carolina continues to look for smart legislative improvements that will bring business and industry to the state. The Senate Republican Caucus is working to create an environment that encourages growth and stays competitive.
2005 - Tort reform created a better legal climate for our state’s businesses: eliminated “jury shopping”, created penalties to discourage frivolous lawsuits, and reduced the statute of repose from 13 years to 8 years.
2006 - Dept. of Commerce received an additional $16 million from the General Fund, including $7million for a “Closing Fund” to be used in the recruitment of business and industry.
2007 - A record year in business development with over $4 billion in capital investment from business and industry creating over 15,600 additional jobs. Continuing a positive growth trend since 2005.
2007 - Brought about substantial reform to the Workers’ Compensation system, which has already shown results with lower than expected annual increases in premium costs for SC businesses.
2008 - Provided tax credits to companies that locate corporate headquarters in SC. Approved tax credits for revitalization of abandoned textile plants to encourage new development.
The Senate Republican Caucus will continue to seek out new opportunities to improve the environment for economic development with real solutions to tough challenges.
Healthcare
Improved access to quality, affordable healthcare is a major factor in the continued successful development of our state and the people who live here. The South Carolina Republican Caucus is committed to making healthcare affordable for the vast number of residents who are currently uninsured.
2005 - Voted to place a full-time nurse in every elementary school in the state.
2006 - Funded Breast Cancer Treatment and Screening Program with $1 million.
2007 - Established the Office of Healthcare Workforce Research to address the critical need for additional nurses in South Carolina.
2008 - Developed and passed legislations establishing the Small Business Healthcare Cooperative, giving small business more power to negotiate affordable health insurance premiums; thereby allowing more businesses to offer health insurance to their employees.
The Senate Republican Caucus will continue to lead efforts to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare in South Carolina and work with organizations that are proposing bold new approaches to the healthcare coverage to our citizens.
Other Important Statewide Issues
In addition to the traditional functions of state government, important issues surface in every session that must be addressed. Although, the issues may appear to be single hot-button issues how they are dealt with can have a lasting impact on our state. The Senate Republican Caucus has tackled several important issues since 2005.
2005 - Medical Malpractice Tort Reform, which was led by the Senate Republican Caucus, limited judgments against physicians in an effort to address the rising cost of healthcare. Members of the Senate Republican Caucus led the effort by introducing the bill that eventually became the prevailing law of the state.
2006 - Property Tax Reform removed the school-operating portion of the property tax on owner occupied homes. The Senate Republican Caucus also fought to reduce the state sales tax on groceries from 5% to 3% and later eliminated all state sales tax on groceries.
2007 - The Department of Transportation came under heavy scrutiny for the misuse of funds and poor management practices. The Senate Republican Caucus took on the job of reforming the structure and practices of DOT resulting in the agency having more focus and accountability.
2008 - Illegal immigration costs the state an estimated $186 million annually. The Senate Republican Caucus led the fight to stem the tide of a silent invasion. Today, South Carolina enjoys one of the strongest illegal immigration reform bills in the nation.
As you can see since 2005 the Senate Republican Caucus has been making change happen. We ask for your support as we work to maintain a majority in the South Carolina Senate. There are nineteen Republican candidates facing Democrat challengers for the South Carolina Senate: six incumbents and thirteen newcomers. In a season when “change” has become the buzzword, you can count on the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus to continue its efforts of Making Change Happen.
SCPRT chief: “so gay” ad did not represent South Carolina
August 3, 2008
Chad Prosser is director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and wrote this column (Anderson Independent Mail) in response to a recent editorial. The Palmetto Scoop is making a ruckus over the incident.
There’s been a lot of discussion recently over whether South Carolina should actively sponsor advertising or promotions directed specifically at the gay travel market. Sparked by a third-party promotion conducted by a tour operator in London, those who would take sides on the issue have sounded off about whether this is a good or bad thing.
As the state’s official tourism marketing arm, it’s the job of the professionals at the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) to make sure that all visitors and prospective visitors to our state understand that they are welcome here. We also want our visitors to know that we appreciate their leaving behind some of their hard-earned cash to benefit South Carolina’s economy. It saddens me both personally and professionally that any group would perceive otherwise.
It’s important to understand that Amro Worldwide’s “That’s so gay” promotional posters are not state tourism ads. They do not contain South Carolina’s tourism logo, Web site address or photography. We did not place the ads. And we did not pull the ads, because they were not ours to pull. We have no objection to Amro Worldwide conducting this campaign with its own resources. But SCPRT management does object to the state’s money or brand being used in the promotion. Why? Because, as is clearly stated in the proposal prepared by the tour operator’s publicist, “this campaign will ‘reclaim’ the term ‘so gay’ – as a term that is rendered strongly positive for lesbian and gay people. It also allows gay and lesbian people to feel that the term is being neutered as a negative putdown…”
SCPRT does not feel that it is necessary to use sensational content, such as a negative putdown directed at a particular group, in order to market our state to tourists. Furthermore, Amro’s poster about South Carolina contained stock photography and product claims (e.g., “gay beaches”) that are not accurately representative of South Carolina’s tourism product.
SCPRT does not blame the tour operator for this incident. It was reasonable for Amro Worldwide to think that it had the approval of SCPRT through our contract representative in London. In fact, our contractor in London has already paid Amro for the promotion. So why is Amro continuing to carp about our decision? Free publicity perhaps?
To his credit, the employee at SCPRT who initially approved participation in Amro’s promotion, has taken responsibility for his action and resigned in a letter to his supervisor dated July 11, 2008. And, SCPRT’s contractor in London has absorbed the $4,942.50 cost of the Amro promotion. Thus, no state dollars have gone to fund this promotion.
As Director of SCPRT, I take full responsibility for the organizational failure that allowed one employee to approve this third-party promotion without it undergoing the same scrutiny and review that all SCPRT ads undergo. We have made internal changes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
For those skeptics who imply that the Amro promotion was a strategic decision made by SCPRT at the policy level, I invite them to review all of the documents, correspondence and e-mails made public this week by SCPRT. This paper trail clearly demonstrates that the employee in question acted on his own without the knowledge of even his direct supervisor.
While the facts are not nearly as sensational as all of the speculation, they do demonstrate what actually happened. I hope that the media that have reported otherwise will demonstrate the same level of character as those at SCPRT who have taken responsibility for their actions.
Ryberg looking for sunshine in Aiken
August 1, 2008
By APRIL BAILEY Staff writer Aiken Standard
Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, is calling for transparency from the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.
The state senator released a statement Tuesday asking that the organization release all information that relates to its support of the incorporation effort for the three towns of Graniteville, Vaucluse and Warrenville.
Ryberg said he filed two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on July 16, asking for “all documents, correspondence and other material including electronic material related to the Graniteville, Vaucluse and Warrenville incorporation effort.” The request also asked for “all records from the accounts engaged in the Graniteville, Vaucluse and Warrenville incorporation effort to include names of all donors and all recipients of any and all money involved in the effort,” according to the release.
The law allows 15 business days for FOIA requests to be fulfilled; thus far, Ryberg says he hasn’t received the information yet. “Since they are a public body, those records should be disclosed,” he said Tuesday. “I think those that will be affected by that decision deserve full disclosure.”
Ryberg also says he has recently learned that LSCOG has been lending financial support to the incorporation by taking “donations from individuals, made as tax-exempt donations, and appeared to funnel them through its accounts to further support the effort,” he said. “I remain puzzled by the arrangement whereby a public body take private money for political purposes,” Ryberg said. “I am alarmed by the reluctance of LSCOG to turn over the record of those transactions.”
An official with LSCOG could not be reached Tuesday; however, members of the GVW Incorporation Study Committee say they have not received any donations from LSCOG to fund the incorporation effort. The group issued a response Tuesday, saying “when the LSCOG releases the records it has the authority to release, it will show that approximately $39,500 in donations have been received through June 2008, and during that time, approximately $33,500 have been spent on legal services, accounting services, bank and accounting charges, office supplies and public meeting expenses,” read the statement. “None of these funds held by the LSCOG have been spent on any political campaign and none will be for any political campaign, including influencing the outcome of the GVW election.”
Charles Hilton, chairman of the GVW Incorporation Study Committee, said the LSCOG is providing only accounting services for the committee. “They haven’t given a dime to us,” he said. “We’re paying them to do an accounting service.”
In the release, the group also writes that it “understands that the LSCOG is reviewing the requested records and seeking legal advice on what may and may not be released under the FOIA since some of the donors requested anonymity on their donations as expressly allowed by the provisions of the FOIA.” The release also included a statement from the study group, saying that the U.S. Department of Justice has granted the needed clearance to GVW officials to hold the referendum on Aug. 26.
Ryberg said he has been contacted by several people wanting more information about the proposed incorporation, which is why he issued the request. Though the residents in the proposed GVW incorporation area are not his constituents, he says that as an elected public official, he feels it’s his job to answer those questions. “Again, we are seeking transparency,” Ryberg said. “Voters have asked, and I believe the voters deserve the right to know how public money is being spent to influence their futures. The vote on incorporation will forever transform the lives of thousands of citizens, and these voters just want full disclosure before they vote.”
equal time to the left…very far left
July 31, 2008
Creaton of rape-dealth penalty statute was bad politics
By BOBBY G. FREDERICK
For the Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Published: Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 3:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.
In Kennedy v. Louisiana, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Eighth Amendment bars imposition of the death penalty where the crime does not result in the victim’s death.
Bobby G. Frederick
Only six states, including South Carolina, have statutes providing for the death penalty in child rape cases. The enactment of South Carolina’s statute was a perfect example of bad politics controlling legislation. In the wake of some horrific and high-profile child rape cases followed by the media, some legislator decides that it will be great PR to campaign for the death penalty for these monsters. Once the legislation has been introduced, no politician wants to vote against it because, hey, it is pretty good PR, and you are either for it or you are in favor of the child rapists, which certainly does not win you any votes.
Although the politicians and some victim advocates speak out about how they want the death penalty for child rapists, and it makes a good sound byte during election time, the Supreme Court of the United States points out that there is a national consensus against the death penalty for child rape.
Since the court’s 1972 decision in Furman v. Georgia, nine states have permitted capital punishment for adult or child rape, and yet no person has been executed for any non-homicide offense since 1963. Louisiana is the only state that has sentenced a person to death for child rape, resulting in the opinion in Kennedy: Despite rape’s permanent and devastating impact on a child, “in terms of moral depravity and of the injury to the person and to the public, (non-homicide crimes including child rape) cannot compare to murder in their severity and irrevocability.”
The court looks at whether the death penalty for child rape would serve the purposes of retribution and deterrence. Looking at retribution, the death penalty will not lessen a rape victim’s hurt, given that capital cases require a long-term commitment to testify for the prosecution over a period of many years. By enlisting a child victim to assist in seeking the death penalty over the course of years “forces a moral choice on the child, who is not of mature age to make that choice.”
The goal of deterrence is not furthered because “evidence suggests that the death penalty may not result in more effective enforcement but may add to the risk of non-reporting of child rape out of fear of negative consequences for the perpetrator, especially if he is a family member.” Also, by making the punishment for murder the same as the punishment for rape, it gives the rapist an incentive to kill the victim.
The court takes note of the “relevant systemic concerns in prosecuting child rape, including the documented problem of unreliable, induced and even imagined child testimony, which creates a special risk of wrongful execution in some cases.”
There are many problems with cases involving child testimony. Child molestation cases often arise in the context of divorces and custody disputes, and there are often problems with the testimony. One problem that arises quite often is the problem of suggestive interviewing techniques with children and the problem of repeated interviews.
I have seen cases where the interviewer asks the child leading questions (suggestive of the answer), the child denies the allegations, and the interviewer continues asking the same leading question in different ways or keeps coming back to the question, until the child gives the answer the interviewer is looking for.
This can be compounded by the effect of multiple suggestive interviews, often beginning with a family member who may be suspicious or have an ax to grind, followed possibly by other family members, followed by an officer and then one or more interviews by a child advocate.
The effect of suggestive interviews on a very young child, particularly when they are repeated, is that the child may begin to believe the allegations, even if they were not true to begin with. The state then has a very credible and believable witness with which to prosecute its case. In South Carolina and other states, laws have been passed that would allow the presentation of videotaped testimony by the child in court - without the opportunity to cross-examine and in violation of the right to confront witnesses.
The dangers of a prosecution for child rape, particularly when there is no corroborating evidence, should be clear. Juries do not want to take any chance on releasing a person who might then hurt more children. Due to the prejudicial nature of the accusations, defendants are often presumed guilty as soon as they are accused, and it is an uphill battle to demonstrate the flaws in the case and to get beyond the preconceived notions of the jury.
The court made the right decision in Kennedy, but it is still disturbing that four of nine justices voted to allow states to kill defendants under these circumstances.
Bobby G. Frederick of Myrtle Beach is a criminal defense attorney
Congressman Barrett’s a conservative charm!
July 30, 2008
Our Congressman, Gresham Barrett, is ranked No. 9 on The Hill’s 50 most beautiful people.
Age: 47; Hometown: Westminster, S.C.; Political party: Republican; Dating status: Married
Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.) is proof positive that a high school quarterback can marry his cheerleader girlfriend and live happily ever after.
“I know it’s corny,” he says. But “she was a cute little thing.” He and Natalie dated for a year in high school and all through college before getting married in August 1984. Next year they’ll celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
Barrett learned the importance of first impressions from an early age.
“My daddy always told me you can tell a lot about a man by the way his shoes look,” says the three-term Congressman. “I try to shine my shoes and keep my tie straight.”
He also credits his time at The Citadel and in the Army for his consistently clean, crisp look.
These days you’ll more than likely see Barrett and his aides walking around the Capitol in matching seersucker suits. He and his staff have adopted a “seersucker Wednesdays” tradition during the summer, attracting both compliments and gentle ribbing from his amused colleagues.
The congressman doesn’t play much football now but boasts of his status as starting catcher for the GOP baseball team. What’s puzzling to him, though, is the idea that others might find him good-looking.
“This is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me, so it’s all kind of new,” he says. “I’m just kind of an average guy.”
- By Kris Kitto
