House members sworn in for new term

As the S.C. General Assembly approaches what may be the worst budget year in modern history, South Carolina has a new governor in Republican Nikki Haley.

She wasn't the choice of many GOP lawmakers in her primary win over three more well-known contenders in the primary last June, but Aiken County's legislation delegation members expect everyone to move forward when the new session starts in January.

"The mood right now is very cooperative," said Sen. Shane Massey. "I hope that lasts. Regardless of who people supported in the election, Haley won, and I hope people will give her the deference and respect she deserves."

At a delegation meeting Monday, five House members were sworn in by Judge Jack Early. Roland Smith, Bill Clyburn and Tom Young are returning for new terms, while Bill Taylor and Bill Hixon will begin their first terms.

The freshman House members will participate in a two-day training sessions next week.

Taylor supported Haley's bid for governor "and all we can hope and pray for is that we can get together and get the reform we need," he said. "It would be unfortunate if we let the budget push out the reform. We have to deal with the budget, but we have all the other things the voters want and we're doing to do them."

Hixon said Haley has many great ideas and had a good meeting with legislators at a recent Republican caucus.

"The rest of us have to find a way to come up with money," Hixon said. "We won't have the stimulus money, which has meant a lot to our state in terms of funding."

He plans to ask state agencies if they have "savings accounts" and, if so, how much do they have. In a harsh budget year, said Hixon, agencies with such accounts may have to dip into them.

Clyburn, the only Democrat among the delegation "regulars," isn't concerned that the Republicans have an even larger advantage in numbers in the coming year.

"That doesn't bother me," Clyburn said. "We just have to work together and be locked into what's good for the state. But the budget is going to be painful. A lot of people rely on state services, and it makes you weak in the stomach to think about it."

Smith expects the legislative to work with the new governor to create jobs so that every person who wants one can have a job. He admitted that will be a tall order.

"We know we'll be $1 billion short," Smith said. "There will be a little increase in revenue, but it's nowhere near $1 billion."

Young and Massey are encouraged that Haley has selected former Speaker of the House David Wilkins to serve as the chairman of her transition team.

"That's a good move," Young said. "It's a good sign that Haley will surround herself with knowledgeable people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and work together for the good of the state. I'm excited about serving with her."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.