It’s been a busy first three weeks of the 2012 legislative session for South Carolina.  Last week proved that we’re back to business and doing the people’s work.  I’ve heard from many of you regarding a variety of issues over the break and you’ll see from the excerpts below that we’re taking action.

DHEC Rebuffed for Port Vote: The House unanimously approved legislation that reaffirmed 2007 law that the SC Department of Health and Environmental (DHEC) may not make decisions regarding our state’s waterways without input from the SC Maritime Commission. Last week I was proud to work with over 50 other members of the House who sponsored this bill calling for this action.  You all have heard of the controversy swirling since DHEC's board granted Georgia a permit to dredge the Savannah River to a depth of 48 feet so they can expand their port.  This action completely ignored overwhelming evidence presented by DHEC scientists that the dredging would cause irreversible environmental damage. You can tell by the vote in the SC House that legislators feel it was a horrible economic and environmental decision which placed Charleston's port at a competitive disadvantage and jeopardized the very existence of a future Jasper Ocean Terminal.  When one of every five jobs in our state is directly tied to our ports, this issue is too important to ignore. 

House Republicans Unveil Right to Work Act of 2012:  The 'Right to Work Act of 2012' (H.4652) strengthens our state's business environment so more jobs can be created. Every South Carolinian should have the right to work and make a living for his or her family without being forced to join a union or pay dues. Among other things, this legislation requires employers to display a poster that informs workers of our state's 'Right to Work' protections. The legislation also increases labor organization transparency and requires written authorization for any union dues to be deducted from a worker's paycheck.

More People Working:  This week it was announced that SC's unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest rate since 2008. It's the fourth straight month unemployment has declined; we're now at 9.5%statewide.

Sexting Bill:  Sadly, some teens (and adults) like to share explicit sexual pictures on their phones. It's call 'sexting'. The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on this issue but sent it back to the committee citing many legal questions and concerns.

Driving/Texting Ban:  A House sub-committee took testimony this week on a bill that would ban texting while driving. Many stakeholders including AAA, the Trucker's Association, Automobile Manufacturers and law enforcement spoke in favor the bill. Currently, SC is one of only 8 states having no statewide driving texting ban. The bill carries stiff fines and will likely be debated in the House in a few weeks. 

Registering to Vote? Prove Your Citizenship: New SC voters would have to show proof of their U.S. citizenship, under a bill that's moving through the State Senate.  The measure requires South Carolinians registering to vote to present a driver's license, birth certificate, passport or tribal verification when registering to vote. Currently, new voters do not have to show any proof of U.S. citizenship. They attest to their citizenship when filling out paperwork to become a voter.

Economic Gains: SC's tax revenues continue to increase. We learned this week that an earlier estimate showing the state will have an extra $900 million for next year's state budget (starting in July) is a solid estimation, according to the state Board of Economic Advisors. 

 Tax Climate in SC: The Tax Foundation has released its 2012 State Business Tax Climate Index. Their Index allows us to gauge how state's tax systems compare and how tax rates help or harm competitiveness of a state's business environment. Unfortunately, SC ranks # 36 overall. We can do better; tax reform is coming. 

 DHEC Leadership Change: Catherine Templeton has been selected to head the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. She is currently director of SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and gained a reputation for tightening the reins on LLR. The S.C. Senate must approve of Templeton's appointment as DHEC Director. 

 Department of Natural Resources New Chief: The SC Department of Natural Resources board has picked veteran agency law enforcement chief, Col. Alvin Taylor, to replace John Frampton as the department's director. Taylor is a 35-year DNR employee.    

Thank you for the privilege of serving you in Columbia. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please don't hesitate to call at 873-1721 or e-mail me at jennyhorne@schouse.gov.

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