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CAPITOL COLUMBIA Capitol Information Affiliates

Volume XXV, Issue 10

March 15, 2013

House Completes Budget Work Contentious Week for the Senate House Budget H.3710 Monday

The House of Representatives gave their version of the budget bill a first run through Monday afternoon. 1A

Representative Bingham offered an amendment to give Educational Television a $500,000 increase in order to receive awarded grant money. It was adopted. Representative Garry Smith offered an amendment to take all of the Sea Grants Consortium funds and give them to Clemson University. Smith said, “It takes the dollars to give oversight and management to the consortium.” Representative Crawford said the amendment would jeopardize federal money for the consortium. The amendment was tabled. Representative Limehouse amended the bill, giving new FTEs to the University of Charleston. Representative Barfield offered an amendment giving $75,000 to the University of South Carolina Poison Center Hotline.

Representative Sellers asked where the money was going to come from. Barfield said, “I don’t care where the money comes from. It is for a noble cause.” Representative Brannon moved to table the amendment. The House refused to table and the amendment was adopted. Limehouse amended the bill giving the Patriot Point Development Authority additional money for classified positions, employer contributions and operating expenses. Representative Hosey offered an amendment to give $100,000 toward Barnwell County Court House repairs. Representative Skelton moved to table the amendment. The House refused to table and the amendment was adopted. Representative Pitts offered a technical amendment to the Commission on Indigent Defense, which was adopted. Bingham offered an amendment to decrease the amount of money for the Law Enforcement Training Center. Pitts explained the amendment saying the money would be housed in the Budget and Control Board for emergency communications backbone. The amendment was adopted.

Bingham offered another amendment for the Budget and Control Board emergency communications backbone by reducing funds from the Department of Public Safety. The amendment was adopted. Bingham offered an amendment to decrease the Education Oversight committee by $100,000. The amendment was adopted. Representative Vick offered an amendment to shift $1.5 million within the Department of Employment and Workforce operating funds to their rural centers. Vick said they were transferring money “to keep people working.” The amendment was adopted. Representative Norman offered an amendment to delete a public relations position and salary at the Infrastructure Bank Board. He said it kept one person on the job “instead of hiring another PR person. The $73,000 can just be put in the bank.” The amendment was adopted. 1B

Representative Barfield offered a proviso to create the Alternative Fuel School Bus Pilot program. It was adopted.

Representative Bingham offered a proviso on Charter School Pupil Counts. The charter school district would receive more data on attendance. Representative Merrill said, “I hate for charter schools to have to conform to everything.” The amendment was adopted. Bingham offered a proviso to allow school districts to contract with private vendors for school bus maintenance. The amendment was adopted. Representative Atwater offered a proviso to define instructional services in schools. It was tabled. Representative Loftis offered a proviso to require First Steps to implement recommendations of the Legislative Audit Council. The amendment was adopted. Bingham offered a proviso to give teachers flexibility on the National Boards. Representative Norman raised the point of order than it violated rule 5.3. He said the Department of Education did not request the proviso. The Speaker sustained the point saying adoption of the proviso would require 2/3 vote. Bingham said it was a pilot project and that some schools were already doing it. The proviso was adopted. Representative Moss offered an amendment allowing the use of funds for high achieving students to be used for academic enrichment activities. The proviso was adopted. Representative Limehouse offered a proviso to allow the National Guard to carry forward money for tuition assistance. The proviso was adopted. Representative Daning offered a proviso on Commission of Higher Education satellite campuses to put them under a

budget umbrella. Representative Ott said, “I am not comfortable with your ulterior motives.” Daning said he was not trying to shut down campuses. Representative Skelton raised the point of order that it required additional funding. The proviso was ruled out of order. Tuesday

The House of Representatives gave H.3710, the budget bill second reading Tuesday night. Medicaid

Representative Garry Smith offered a proviso to change pursuit of a waiver for nondisabled, childless adults from “must” apply to “may” apply. Representative Rutherford moved to table. The House refused to table. Representative Merrill spoke in favor of the amendment. Representative Ott said, “These are individuals that exist in no man’s land.” He said the waiver was to cover this population. He spoke at length about people “working hard and just trying to pay their bills” who have no coverage. He said they were not welfare recipients. Representative Clemmons said Director Keck could apply for a waiver. Ott said, “Policy needs to be made by this body, not by a hired administration.” The proviso was tabled. Representative Cobb-Hunter and others offered a proviso providing for Medicaid expansion for one year. Representative Rutherford spoke at length and said he applauded Representatives Lucas and Murrell Smith “for

trying to come up with a plan for expansion.” He said the democrats supported their plan but urged them to “come up with a solution to get as much federal money as we can.” He said their plan did not do enough. Representative Mitchell talked about the people who work (“the working core of the state”) and still qualify for Medicaid. He said other states were changing their course. Chairman Howard spoke at length about the revenue stream and said taxpayer dollars could be saved “if everyone had access to healthcare.” Representative Dillard said it was the morally right thing to do. Representative Sabb said, “Hospitals will lose $156 billion if states don’t get in. Our local hospitals will suffer dramatically.” Representative Jefferson spoke to the need for expansion. Ott spoke at length on what would happen to insurance premiums, Medicare and federal taxes if the state did not take advantage of Medicaid expansion. Representative James Smith spoke about the Florida Governor changing his mind on Medicaid expansion because he could not ignore the poor. Representative Brown said 250 people a day were seen in the emergency room at Richland Memorial Hospital and spoke about the costs. Representative Ridgeway supported Ott. He said they need to require better outcomes. Representative Mack said people would suffer if they did not take action. “This should not be a party issue,” said Mack.

Representative Douglas said, “Are we so far out of touch that we can’t put faces in front of us that desperately need our help?” Representative Neal spoke at length as did Representative Clyburn. Sabb spoke again. Representative Weeks supported the proviso. He spoke about “everyday people living everyday lives” except they don’t have insurance. Representative Grady Brown said South Carolina was watching the House to “see how we act.” He spoke about people filing for bankruptcy because of their medical care. Representative Williams said, “I’m not going to beat a dead horse. The horse is already dead.” He said the Pee Dee area needed Medicaid expansion. Representative Gilliard spoke at length saying it was a human issue. Representative RobinsonSimpson read constituent emails on the matter. Representative Alexander supported the proviso and said, “The issue of trying to keep politics out of the issue has become the issue.” He said the federal money would boost the economy and improve the quality of life. Representative Bowers said expansion was friendly to small business. Representative King spoke on families and family coverage. Representative Cobb-Hunter spoke at length and said in January 2014 South Carolina will be part of a federal health exchange. “Release some of the hatred in your heart and take the intestinal fortitude to know that you are blessed,” said CobbHunter.

Representative Govan spoke on the proviso. Representative Murrell Smith said expansion would cost more money than they could budget. He said they needed to reform the system. He said money from Health and Human Services was redistributed and should reduce the cost of health care to citizens on Medicaid. He said 24% of the state budget was currently going to Medicaid and that more people were being enrolled. “We have to prioritize our monies,” said Smith. He moved to table. The proviso was tabled by a vote of 73-45 after several hours of debate. Representative Robert Brown offered an amendment for Medicaid expansion up to 138% of poverty. It was tabled. Ott offered a proviso to require a report by Health and Human Services to the Ways and Means Healthcare subcommittee on outcomes from the Medicaid initiatives placed in the budget. It was adopted. Moss offered a proviso to allow local providers to bid on Medicaid non-emergency transportation. It was adopted. Cobb-Hunter offered an expansion proviso which was tabled. Murrell Smith offered a proviso on community health outcomes of FQHCs. Smith called it a clean-up amendment. It was adopted. Mitchell offered a proviso requiring legislators who opposed expansion to opt out of their state health plan and write a letter to their constituents. He called it “legiscare.” It was tabled.

Beach Renourishment

Representative McCoy offered a proviso to require the Department of Health and Environmental Control to spend $1 million for beach renourishment at Folly Beach. Representative Bowers said the beaches should be ranked because Edisto also needed beach renourishment. The proviso was adopted. The Rest of the Story

Representative Hiott offered a proviso to use funds from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund for local government grants for electronic waste processing. The proviso was adopted. Representative Murrell Smith offered an amendment to use $170,500 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness SC for crisis intervention training. It was adopted. Representative Simrill offered a proviso to move language to sell the Farmers Market to the Capital Reserve Fund. The proviso was adopted. Simrill offered a proviso to return the General Fund money remaining from the appraisal of the Farmers Market. The amendment was adopted. Representative Lowe offered a proviso to develop regulations, using existing funds in the Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to allow public participation in Cormorant control activities on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. The proviso was adopted.

Simrill offered an amendment to proviso 50.17 to use Department of Commerce funds for Regional Economic Development Organizations that added the I-77 Alliance. The amendment was adopted. Representative Merrill offered an amendment to strike proviso 50.20 regarding the South Carolina Military Base Task Force housed in the Department of Commerce. The amendment was adopted. Chairman White offered an amendment to strike proviso 50.21, on business incubation, to move it to section 118, statewide revenue. The amendment was adopted. Representative Rutherford offered a proviso to allow attorneys to carry cell phones in court. The proviso was adopted. White offered an amendment to correct a code section. The amendment was adopted. Representative Cobb-Hunter offered an amendment to review outsourcing at the Department of Transportation. The amendment was adopted. Representative Hardwick offered an amendment to authorize the Department of Transportation to use $250,000 towards the completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Hurricane Evacuation route in Horry County. The amendment was adopted. Representative Merrill offered a proviso to allow for permit negotiations between the city of Hanahan, the Department of Transportation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The amendment was adopted. Representative King offered an amendment to increase the in-

district compensation of legislators to $2000 per month. Merrill moved to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. Representative Loftis offered a proviso to create a panel to study technology in public schools and to make recommendations on the distribution of technology funds. The proviso was adopted. Representative Gambrell offered a proviso to authorize the Office of the Adjutant General to hire a mental health care facilitator/coordinator. The proviso was adopted. Cobb-Hunter offered a proviso to require the Insurance Reserve Fund to file an annual report with the Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means committees. The proviso was adopted. King offered a proviso to direct the Budget and Control Board to activate the State House garage security system. The proviso was adopted. Cobb-Hunter offered an amendment to transfer $43,117,000 from the Insurance Reserve Fund to ensure financial stability in the State Health plan without requiring a co-payment increase for participants. Merrill made a motion to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. Representative Ballentine offered a proviso that $140,000 of funds designated to Richland County must be used to purchase new ADA compliant voting machines. Sellers made a motion to table the proviso. The House refused to table and the proviso was adopted. Representative James Smith offered an amendment to increase to 30% the state

income tax credit allowed for the costs of solar energy. The amendment was rejected with a 56-56 vote. King proposed an amendment to allow Clinton Junior College to be eligible to receive Higher Education Excellence Enhancement Program funds. Representative Garry Smith pointed out that in order to be eligible for these funds, the institution must be a 4-year college and accredited by SACS. He moved to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. White offered an amendment to correct a transposed number. The amendment was adopted. White offered an amendment to insert the language from the business incubation proviso from the Department of Commerce into Section 118 as a non-recurring proviso. The amendment was adopted. White offered an amendment to provide dates for specifying bridges in the STIP. He said this amendment was requested by the Department of Transportation. The amendment was adopted. Roads

Ballentine proposed a proviso to set aside money for statewide infrastructure development in the event the Board of Economic Advisors increase the revenue forecast. Representative Vick raised the point of order that the amendment did not affect money in the fiscal year referred to in the bill. The point of order was overruled. Vick made a motion to table the amendment and the House

refused. Merrill pointed out issues in the way the proviso was written and said Chairman White suggested voting against the proviso, but was interested in working on the issue. Ballentine withdrew his amendment and agreed to work with the Chairman and staff. Scholarship Scale

Representative Stavrinakis offered a proviso to use a 100 point scale to determine the eligibility of students awarded merit-based scholarships of Palmetto Fellows and Life. Students would remain eligible as long as they keep a grade average of 80. The committee adopted this proviso to change from a 4.0 scale to a 100 point scale. Stavrinakis said it was brought to his attention that students were losing scholarships “based on discrepancies in grades between schools.” He emphasized that the proviso doesn’t dictate how colleges and universities award grades, but “for purposes of scholarship eligibility there should be a uniform scale.” Representative Skelton spoke against the amendment. He said, “Since 2002, there has been a lot of grade inflation,” which he attributes to these scholarships. “Lottery scholarships should be given after the first year to those who deserve it,” said Skelton. He moved to table the proviso, which the House refused. The proviso was adopted. Representative Limehouse offered an amendment to strike proviso 25.6, in its entirety. It was tabled.

Tax Credits

Representative Cobb-Hunter offered an amendment to allow a refundable state individual tax credit equal to five percent of the federal earned income tax credit. Cobb-Hunter said, “I don’t expect to have any success with this one. I just want to tell you what this is.” She pointed out that Reagan agreed “the best way to close the income gap is income tax credits,” but that she hasn’t “figured out how to convince this body that tax relief is necessary.” Representative White moved to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. White moved to open section 85 of part 1A for an amendment to make a technical correction. That amendment was adopted. DEW Proviso

Representative Vick offered a proviso to give the Department of Employment and Workforce the flexibility to use up to $1.5 million from available areas to maintain funding for 17 local offices in rural counties. Vick said, “We have done the same thing in the National Guard and it has worked.” Representative Sandifer spoke against the amendment. He said this will “tie the hands of the new director to keep these offices open. Most of the unemployment applications are filled out online.” He pointed out that “93% of this agency’s budget comes from the federal government” and “with this sequestration we don’t know what the impact on this agency will be.”

Representative Ott said he believes “this money is well spent in keeping these rural county offices open.” Representative Grady Brown said, “Not every South Carolinian is computer savvy and most in rural counties do not have access to computers.” Sandifer made a motion to table the amendment. The House refused to table by a vote of 4266. The amendment was adopted.

Medicaid Part II Representative Cobb-Hunter offered an amendment to expand Medicaid for 3 years. Representative Mia McLeod spoke on the amendment. She wanted to “add another face to South Carolinians affected by healthcare.” She said she publicly disclosed, last year, that she has sickle cell disease. She described difficulties in finding health insurance and urged the House to “propose a 3 year risk free trial.” Representative White moved to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. Cobb-Hunter offered another Medicaid expansion amendment. She said “My purpose here is not to try to convince you for support of this amendment,” but wants to “make the way” for those who will come after her. She said the House “missed an opportunity to make things better.” She ended by complimenting Chairman White and Murrell Smith for chairing the subcommittee on healthcare. She moved to table her amendment. The amendment was tabled.

CRF

Wednesday

Representative Norman offered an amendment to H. 3711, the Capital Reserve Fund, to increase school bus lease funds to $13.5 million and to remove the $3 million for the Farmer’s Market. Norman recommended taking this money off the line for the Farmer’s Market to “get a legitimate appraisal.” Representative Simrill spoke against this amendment and said, “Farming is important in this state.” He moved to table the amendment. The amendment was tabled. Representative White offered an amendment to continue to provide consumer protection for citizens whose financial information was compromised in the Department of Revenue security breach for one additional year. The amendment was adopted. Simrill offered an amendment to put restrictions on the purchase of the Farmer’s Market. The amendment was adopted. Limehouse offered an amendment to give Winthrop University a change of designation of $750,000 for roof replacement. The amendment was adopted. Limehouse offered a proviso to prioritize projects for workforce development. The House version allocated $5.5 Million for TEC’s system-wide infrastructure and workforce development. The proviso excludes distribution of these funds for Central Carolina Technical College. The proviso was adopted. H.3711 received 2nd reading.

After third reading of both H.3710 and H.3711 budget bills Wednesday morning, Chairman White thanked members of the House and staff for a good budget debate. White stated, “Being the chairman is a fun job—but not always an easy job.” White commented on what a great job Representative Murrell Smith had done in handling the healthcare budget. He stated, “This is my 13th year and I have never seen a debate like yesterday.” White applauded the body on handling the issue in such a civil manner. White ended by saying, “I wish the Senate would rubberstamp this budget and send it back, but I don’t think that this will happen.” Speaker Harrell followed up Chairman White’s remarks by thanking the body again for a civil debate and said, “It speaks volumes of the character of the members of this body.”

Courson Point of Personal Interest Senator Courson took the Senate floor on a point of personal interest on public education. He shared a list of Southern states and school districts. “We need to talk about ways to improve public education. We’ll make tremendous progress if we consolidate school districts,” said Courson.

Superintendent of Education The Senate took up S.53, to make the Superintendent of Education an appointed position, during their Tuesday session. Their first amendment, a perfecting amendment, by Senator Scott added qualifications for the Superintendent of Education. The amendment would require the Superintendent to have a Ph.D. in education or a related field and at least 10 years of experience in education. Scott said, “Let’s add qualifications like they have in local school districts.” He said the qualifications “make sure the state Superintendent of Education is in the parameter of education and understands the structure. I could run for Superintendent of Education and I’m not even an educator. That troubles me.” Senator Campsen said he was in favor of qualifications, but that they could “be more specific if it’s done in enabling legislation.” He said the General Assembly “has until they adjourn in 2014 to develop the language.” Senator Larry Martin had concerns about the Ph.D. in the education requirement. He said the “qualification requirements in the amendment are so narrow that it would ban someone like former Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum from becoming Superintendent of Education.” The Senate tabled the amendment. The next amendment was the committee amendment. The amendment was a strike and

insert amendment that removed language that abolished the State Board of Education. Senator Jackson pointed out that in most states; the Board of Education appoints the Superintendent of Education. The amendment was adopted. Senator Sheheen offered an amendment to make the Adjutant General an officer appointed by the Governor. Martin raised the point of order saying Senate rules “require the amendment itself be limited to the bill’s specific subject.” He said this amendment is “a new individual matter as it relates to this joint resolution.” Lt. Governor McConnell overruled the point of order saying the amendment was germane because it also deletes another Constitutional officer. The amendment was tabled. Sheheen withdrew similar amendments on the Comptroller General and the Secretary of State. He said he believes the positions should be abolished. Senator Cromer asked what would happen to the duties of the Secretary of State and Comptroller General’s offices if they were abolished. Sheheen said the duties would be divided among the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Commerce. Sheheen also offered an amendment to make the Commissioner of Agriculture an appointed position. “We need an advocate,” said Sheheen. The amendment failed. Scott withdrew an amendment which would have the Superintendent of Education be appointed by the State Board of Education. Scott offered another amendment on the

qualifications for the Superintendent of Education. This amendment would require the Superintendent of Education to have a Doctorate or Master’s degree in education or a related field, a Masters of Public Administration or a Juris Doctorate, and at least 10 years of education experience. The amendment was carried over. A technical amendment was adopted. Additional amendments were carried over. Senator Campsen introduced S.521 on the appointment of the Superintendent of Education and qualifications to hold the position. The bill was referred to the Education committee. A ballot amendment passed. They adjourned with S.53 placed in Interrupted Debate status. When the Senate met Wednesday, Senator Scott offered an amendment on qualifications. Senator Pinckney supported the amendment. Senator Courson said S.521 contained qualifications for the position. Pinckney argued for the amendment. Courson moved to recede at 5:30 and come back in at 7:00. His motion was rejected. The Senate went into recess. When they came back into session, the amendment was withdrawn. The Senate then gave S.521 a second reading carrying over all amendments to third. The Senate went back to S.53 and amendments were withdrawn. S.53 failed to get the necessary 2/3 vote for passage. Having voted on the prevailing side, Senator Larry Martin moved to reconsider the vote. There was a motion to adjourn and the Senate refused to adjourn. The Senate went into recess, came

back into adjourned.

session

and

Cyber Breach The Senate Finance Cyber Security subcommittee gave a favorable as amended report Tuesday to S.334, cyber security and identity theft. Senator Bryant amended the bill to define identity theft and adds products and services to notify fraudulent activity. He said, “After the testimony we heard last week, we can all be in agreement that we need to define identity theft.” Senator Jackson amended the bill to allow tax deductions. Jackson said, “As a result of testimony last week, what we are giving to our citizens now is not what we should be offering. It is important for us to maximize the type of coverage we can provide. We need more than just an alert for someone trying to take a credit card or name. There is a fiscal impact of $2 million associated with this, but I think we can do this and we should do this.” Bryant said he appreciated Jackson’s amendment. Bryant questioned the state’s ability to use more than one vendor and staff assured him that more than one vendor could be used. Robert Croom, Association of Counties, expressed his concern that they don’t know “whether we are talking about tweaks or whole computer systems.” Several counties are using multiple, different computer systems; this bill would mandate to counties that they have to use the same system as the state.

Senator Shealy said she understood their concern “but you are only as strong as your weakest link. There is potential for hacking if there is not uniformity.” Jackson said he would rather the counties vote to opt out, so it can’t be put back on the General Assembly or cities. Croom said, “We understand we have to tie into the systems and we know we need to function smoothly. I don’t know that I have any objection to anything that is coming but recent history has taught me to be cautious.” Jackson said they should give the option to opt out, but have a clause that if it is linked back to opt out, they can be held responsible for the liability. Croom said, “We don’t have the option to opt out. This gives me a great deal of heartburn about what I might have to answer to in a few years.” Bryant asked how many municipalities were tied into the state system. Croom said every county has to be. “We function as arms of the state. In those functions you will see a lot of overlap.” Bryant said he was reluctant to exempt anybody.

S.521 The Senate Education committee met Wednesday and added S.521, qualifications of the Superintendent of Education, to the agenda. They gave the bill a favorable as amended report. The Governor’s office suggested language for the bill. The candidate for appointment must have a graduate degree. The amendment allows federal

or out of state qualified candidates Department of Education spokesman J.W. Ragley said the amendment would not affect Dr. Zais.

District Choice The Senate Education Committee met Wednesday morning and gave a favorable as amended report to S.313, to establish a school district choice program and an open enrollment program within the public school system of the state. This bill is based on S.1267 from last session. The committee began with the two amendments from the K-12 subcommittee that were not voted on. The first amendment adds language to promote student achievement, changes language to read that the state board must develop regulations instead of guidelines, and adds terms and descriptions of waivers. Scott Price, School Boards Association, spoke in favor of the amendment and the bill in total. Senator Hutto raised the question of priorities because it seemed to him that homeschooled and private schooled children were favored over everyone else in the amendment. He asked, “Why is this priority not ‘flip flopped’ for kids that have been attending the school. If the 3% cap is met, we may be displacing students already in the school system.” Senator Sheheen stepped in to clarify Senator Hutto’s intent by saying, “I believe that Senator Hutto is saying returning

students should have priority over everyone else.” Hutto offered to “flip flop” Part I and II to perfect the amendment, giving returning students first priority, and the amendment was adopted. The second amendment, not discussed in the subcommittee meeting, specified that nonresident students could provide interim appeal to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee before going to the board. This amendment was also adopted.

Department of Agriculture The Senate Finance Natural Resources and Economic Development subcommittee met Wednesday and heard from Hugh Weathers, the Department of Agriculture commissioner. Weathers said, “Agriculture has been a bright spot of the economy in South Carolina for the last four to five years.” Relating to farmers markets, Weathers said the “Greenville Farmer’s Market has a world of opportunity and we need to capitalize on that.” Senator Williams asked how much of the State Farmers Market is being used at the present time. Weathers said the land totals over one hundred seventy acres with vacant land for expansion in the future, but the current market looks less filled as a result. The Department asked the House for $3.5 million and received $2 million. Weathers joked that “maybe the House made a typo and it should have said $3.5 million.”

Senator McGill would like to see them receive the full $3.5 million they requested. McGill requested a collaborative meeting on March 25th at one o’clock with Weathers, Director Hitt, Treasurer Loftis, Clemson PSA, SC State PSA, and DNR. McGill’s purpose is to have an open discussion between programs for better working relationships.

PSA The Senate Finance Natural Resources and Economic Development subcommittee met Wednesday and heard from the Clemson PSA and SC State PSA. John Kelly spoke on Clemson PSA’s budget request for four identified programs. A $2 million plant technology program is their top priority. A supporter of the program said “South Carolina is the 40th smallest state area wise, so we have to find a niche. Genetic research could be that niche”. They also requested $1 million for a precision agriculture technology program which allows engineers to use a GPS in the field for a more directed use of fertilizers and pesticides at a cost savings. The House of Representatives met their request for capital improvements of $3 million and the subcommittee agreed with their amount. President Barker, Clemson University, said agriculture and economic development are part of Clemson’s DNA. Clemson is open to new ideas and willing to work closely with other organizations.

John Rosenthal, SC State PSA, came to the subcommittee asking for $1.9 million and McGill granted them double the amount. He would like them to be persuasive with the federal government to receive money he believes is sitting on the shelves in Washington. They also requested $500,000 for marketing purposes to improve farmers’ abilities to get their products in the marketplace, a problem Rosenthal sees in rural areas. Sustainable energy research is a topic McGill would like to hear more about. They are researching plastics, plants, and waste to try and extract oil for fuel purposes. Another program, workforce development, helps students move from the classroom into jobs after graduation. SC State would like to use large manufacturers’ products, located in South Carolina, in the classroom to get hands on experience that is valued in the job market. Clemson PSA and SC State PSA will be present at a collaborative meeting March 25th.

DOI Screening The Senate Banking and Insurance committee met Wednesday and discussed S.350. This bill would create the Department of Insurance Director Joint Screening Committee to review each gubernatorial appointment for the Director of the Department of Insurance. Senator Larry Martin was concerned that “whoever the Governor appoints should be considered by the Senate” and

he “doesn’t want to put appointees through this.” Senator Alexander pointed out that appointments for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Employment and Workforce are already handled this way. Senator Reese said the screening committee can “basically blackball an appointment.” He proposed an amendment allowing the screening committee to make an unfavorable report, but allowing the appointment to continue to full committee. Senator Cromer moved to carry over the bill so they could hear from the sponsor, Senator Rankin, who was absent from the meeting. The bill was carried over.

Setzler Point of Personal Interest Senator Setzler took the Senate floor Wednesday on a point of personal interest regarding Senate chaplain, Jim St. John. He said the chaplain was “an inspiration to them every day. Thank God we have you. We don’t know what we would do without you.”

Malloy Point of Personal Interest Senator Malloy took the Senate floor Wednesday on a “monumental date and time in history.” He discussed a 50 year old case that eventually guaranteed the right to counsel.

Flying Flag Half-Staff The Senate took up S. 237, to allow flags atop the State House to be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen soldiers, Wednesday. Senator Fair spoke on the committee amendment, which allows the flag to be flown at half-staff for 10 days. Senator Coleman expressed concern about “lowering the flag too much.” Senator Malloy spoke on the bill and thanked Senator Shealy for her “noble intentions.” He said, “For my whole life, I dreamed of being a soldier. Without soldiers, there would be no freedom of press, rights to a fair trial or freedom of speech.” Malloy noted there is already legislation that “mandates the Governor do this now” and is concerned the “bill will give the Governor more power.” The bill is flawed because “there is no definition for person of extraordinary stature,” said Malloy. Senator Hayes objected to further consideration of the bill. Thursday, the Senate adopted the committee amendment and gave the bill 2nd reading.

Adjutant General A Senate Judiciary subcommittee gave a favorable as amended report to S.173, appointment of the Adjutant General and S.445, enabling legislation for the appointment. The amendment to S.173 was to provide for advice and consent of the Senate. It also provided the Adjutant General could only be removed for cause. It also

was amended to clarify the necessary rank. The amendment to S.445 was to provide for a 4 year term. The first appointment would be for two years. General Livingston supported the bills and the qualifications for the appointment. “The perception of the National Guard in Washington is they have confidence in the South Carolina National Guard. Senior leaders in Washington do not have confidence in our election process. It is critical that we change the process. The qualifications listed are necessary,” said Livingston. Livingston said the rank of Major general; would give the Governor a pool of 20 people to choose from.

Early Voting The Senate set S.4 absentee/early voting for Special Order Wednesday and began their debate on the bill Thursday. Senator Shane Martin said, “We had a gentlemen’s agreement with S.4 and S.92, Nullification. I withdrew all 8 amendments on the desk.” Senator Campsen reviewed the committee amendment. It allows early voting 10 days before the election. They adopted the committee amendment. Senators Massey and Campsen offered an amendment to clarify the bill did not apply to Presidential preference primaries. The amendment was adopted. Senator Corbin offered an amendment requiring the place of birth on the voter

registration. Senator Jackson asked how that would help. Corbin said the provision had been removed in 1993. Jackson asked again why he was doing it. “No one asked you to do this. This has not been a problem since it was removed in 1993,” said Jackson. Senator Ford said the legal requirement is to live in the state for 30 days in order to register. Corbin said you have to be a citizen to vote. Senator Hutto asked why and Corbin said, “It is to keep purity in the system.” Hutto said, “I don’t know where this purity talk is coming from. We are not a pure country. We were all immigrants. This adds nothing to the process.” Corbin and Hutto continued to discuss the process. Senator Bryant said he would never want to disenfranchise the vote of United States citizens. Senator Cromer suggested adding a box to confirm the voter was a United States citizen. Senator Scott raised the point of germaneness. Lt. Governor McConnell sustained the point of order. Corbin offered an amendment that if you are convicted of voting fraud, the prison sentence will be 10 years without parole. Campsen said S.227 would accomplish what Corbin wanted. Scott raised the point of germaneness. Bryant supported the amendment as an extension. Lt. Governor McConnell sustained the point of order. Senator Bright talked about early voting and the integrity of the election system. He said, “Elections are run by people and people are not perfect.” He added that he had no problem

with early voting but that it troubled him that Corbin’s amendments were ruled out of order. He said he would offer an amendment to take S.227 and add it to S.4. “This would take care of early voting. This would show bipartisanship,” said Bright. The debate, between Hutto and Bright, turned into Karl Marx quotes and the Bible. Bryant jumped in and said, “Sin sells. The apple sold sin.” Bright said the government was “taking the place of Jesus.” Martin talked about voter fraud and said the amendment would help prevent it. Bright, Bryant and Corbin offered the next amendment to put more qualifications on early voting. Scott asked the clerk to read the amendment. Campsen and Bright discussed the amendment. Campsen said amending the early voting bill with S.227 would kill the bill. Scott raised the point of germaneness. Lt. Governor McConnell overruled the point of order saying the amendment had been “cleverly drafted by staff.” The Senate receded. When they came back into session, Bright talked about suspending Rule 24. Senator Malloy said there were “legal problems” with the amendment. Bright said, “I want to push forward. The purview of the Senate is to delay things. I think that it is an opportunity to compromise.” Malloy asked him how he would convince the House of Representatives to support the amendment. Bright acknowledged the amendment needed to be changed to include

all voters. He wanted to take a vote. Scott asked Bright if he was trying to kill the bill. Bright said he wanted the bill to pass and withdrew his amendment. S.4 was given second reading.

Nullification Senator Davis began the debate on S.92, Nullification, saying it was to “safeguard South Carolinians civil rights.” He spoke briefly before the Senate adjourned for the week.