Friday, JANUARY 27, 2006
From: John DeWorken
VP of Public Policy & Chamber Lobbyist
Senate Property Tax Subcommittee Still Meeting: Led by Senators Martin (Pickens) and Ritchie (Spartanburg), including Senators Hutto (Orangeburg), Sheheen (Kershaw) and Campsen (Charleston), this subcommittee was still conducting hearings concerning the issue before reporting out to the full committee. Interestingly, this week, members asserted concerns about property tax relief, including (1) the index of taxpaying ability to SC schools (the formula by which the state determines how much money each school district receives from the state); (2) the amount of money it will cost local governments to rollback assessments to 2004 which, according to the Board of Economic Advisors, amounts to approximately $500 million; and, (3) whether the 2 percent in sales tax will actually cover the costs to eliminate the school funding portion of property tax relief.
Workers' Comp Reform Mulling Through Subcommittees: The Labor, Commerce and Industry Subcommittee this week heard further testimonies regarding Workers' Compensation in South Carolina. In addition to the Trial Attorney Association official that testified to the subcommittee, Secretary of Insurance Eleanor Kitzman testified to the subcommittee, explaining the workers' comp system and ultimately giving a workers' compensation 101 to the members. This will prove to be very useful because the members can only help to cure the ailments with a comprehensive knowledge of the system itself. We expect more testimonies next week. On the House side of the hall, the property tax relief proposal passed through subcommittee and is headed to full committee.
Eminent Domain Dominated Week: Although very early in the legislative process, the House and Senate began deliberating the eminent domain issue (the right of a government to appropriate private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner). We expect this to be on the front burner, along with property tax relief, in the coming weeks.
Cigarette Tax Gets Warmer: A cigarette tax increase to fully fund Medicaid may get more consideration among members than in recent past, discussions and support have increased at the State House.
Tolling Roads: The House and Senate passed this past week a provision that would toll a proposed SC interstate (I-73) in order to pay for the completion of the project. I-73 is proposed to run from Sault St. Marie, Michigan to South Carolina. Interestingly, that debate transcended to the tolling of I-95, where Senators Leatherman (Florence) and Hutto (Orangeburg) asserted that they would favor the tolling of I-95 travelers.
Unrestrained Child Could Cost Parents More: A bill passed the Senate and is headed to the House that will increase the fine from $25 to $150 for an individual who does not properly restrain a child in a vehicle.
Tri-County Technical School Gets Name Change: Just like Spartanburg Tech last week, Tri-County Technical School will soon be able to change its name to Tri-County Community College.
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