The clock is ticking for this legislative session. After this week, only five weeks remain in the regular session. The General Assembly is tackling major legislation that needs to cross the finish line.
Keeping your lights on
Today, the House of Representatives debates legislation to secure sustainable energy for the foreseeable future – a critical mission.
South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. People are moving here, businesses are starting here, and tourists are flocking here. Our environment, both for natural resources and business and taxpayer-friendly policies, makes our state a great place to live and do business. That makes energy sustainability a top priority.
The Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act (H.5118) is our response to the crisis point facing our state's energy supply. It aims to fortify our infrastructure to meet the surging demand, not only from folks moving here but also from the industry making our state home. The primary goal is diversifying our energy sources and exploring nuclear energy potential. Secondly, we must streamline the regulatory processes to facilitate the swift development of new energy projects, ensuring our infrastructure can support South Carolina's continued growth.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As the discussion around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies unfolds in our educational institutions, the upcoming debate on H.4289 is also crucial. This bill ensures that our colleges and workplaces emphasize merit and individual achievement over mandatory diversity pledges and training.
The intentions behind DEI initiatives — to foster inclusivity and represent diverse backgrounds — are commendable. However, there is growing concern to find a balance that truly benefits everyone without compromising the principles of fairness and meritocracy. Our approach reinforces our commitment to a merit-based system that truly values the contributions and potential of every individual.
Judicial reform moving
After the Senate passed its Judicial Reform bill (S.1046), a Special House Committee began hearings on their bill last week. The Senate bill aims to improve how the legislature selects and reviews judges. It would create a new 12-member screening commission with the Governor having four appointments. It increases the number of candidates the screening committee must nominate from the current three to no more than six.
Universal school choice
Last week, the House delivered what most South Carolinians want – the opportunity to find the best path to educate their children. In a 500 South Carolina voters poll, 75% said they wanted school choice available to all families, not just low-income families.
On a vote of 69-32, the House passed legislation to expand the state's Education Savings Account (ESA) program launched last year.
Expanding the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program would give families unparalleled freedom in choosing their children's educational pathways. This bill would open the current ESA program to any family, regardless of income. They could use $6,000 of state education funding to choose the proper education or assistance to help their child learn. Much like the diversity in our communities, a one-size-fits-all approach to education falls short of meeting our children's varied needs. The legislation was sent to the Senate.
Expanding 2A rights
Legislation allowing South Carolinians to openly carry handguns without a permit openly was signed into law this month. South Carolina becomes the 29th state to provide permitless open carry. This is an expansion of our state's gun rights. For the past three years, the state has allowed the open carry of handguns for those with a concealed weapons permit (CWP). The new law will enable adults eligible to possess a firearm to carry their weapon without first obtaining a CWP. The bill is tough on felons by providing prison time for anyone found possessing a firearm who was not legally allowed to have a gun. Violations would be a felony with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, mandatory minimum sentences of five years in prison for a second offense, and ten years for a third offense.
State budget news
Taxpayer Refund Proposed: Tax relief highlighted the first version of next year's state budget passed by the House. With bipartisan support, the budget proposes over $1.4 billion in direct tax relief. That includes a one-time $500 million property tax credit, providing an average credit of $359 per home. If it receives final approval, you will see that rebate deducted from your property tax bill you receive in December. Additionally, individual income taxes would be reduced by $100 million more, along with the income tax cuts from the past two years, which will take over $800 million in total tax reduction.
Tightening Budget: The post-COVID boom has subsided, and expectations must be reset to normal levels. This year's General Fund budget is down from $13.9 billion last year to $13.2 billion this year. That's almost a 5% decrease. While budget planning started with nearly $1.7 billion in "new money," a third was already committed to obligations such as adding to the state's Reserve Funds and providing Tax Relief.
Budget highlights
• Teachers: The commitment to teacher recruitment and retention continues, with the most significant raises focused on the lowest-paid teachers with the fewest years of experience. $30 million is allocated to raise teachers' salaries.
• Public Safety is the #1 priority of the government. Over the last five years, the budget for state law enforcement has increased by over $400 million.
• State Workers: We continue to invest in the state government's most valuable resource – its people. Retaining employees is a challenge for every private business and industry today, and those challenges are no less daunting for state government.
• Bridges: Improving our roads and bridges is a high priority in budget planning, and the 10-year improvement plan continues. This budget requires an additional $200 million to replace 500 structurally deficient bridges.
• Tuition Costs: Once again, parents of college students and those students paying their way receive the good news that the proposed budget continues to freeze tuition for in-state students at SC's colleges and universities.
Government restructuring
Last year, the legislature split the behemoth Department of Health & Environment Control (DHEC) into two separate entities: one focusing on environmental issues, the other on health.
This month, the House voted overwhelmingly to restructure the health and human services division following a year-long study by independent experts who reported that South Carolina had the most fragmented health delivery service system of any state. We consolidated and streamlined state health agencies, like Florida and Utah, now in the top 5% of states providing health services. There would be six independent state agencies brought together under one administrative umbrella.
This legislation does not change current health policy. It is solely about organizational policy and streamlining administrative functions, communications, and coordination between the current agencies.
The Health Czar Nonsense: Social media went into whacky overdrive when sensationalists stirred the political pot, claiming this bill creates a Health Czar more powerful than Anthony Fauci. They made ludicrous claims that the secretary of this agency could single-handedly declare a health emergency and shut down the state or require vaccines or face masks. They failed to report that DHEC's seven-member appointed board currently has those powers. This bill brings accountability for major health decisions to the Governor.
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