THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

The public is asked to weigh in on South Carolina’s future energy plan.
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Click here to read the questions for public comment and to learn how to comment.

The State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee is looking for written comments to be submitted either by mail or electronically to help legislators and the state’s congressional delegation when drafting future energy policies.

Comments sent by mail are due by Nov. 17. Electronic replies are due by Dec. 1. (more…)

During last year’s South Carolina state Senate District 25 election, red and white signs were seen everywhere touting “Shake Things Up” and “Hard Work To Shake Up Columbia.”

With the November election a few weeks off, I am proud to say that, indeed, Republican Sen. Shane Massey has been a refreshing voice in the long-overdue process of calling for change in the way government works and serves South Carolinians.

All throughout his campaign last year and up to the present, Shane has let it be known that you can call him on his cell phone. Unlike some entrenched elected officials in Columbia, he actually wants to hear from you. Imagine that! (more…)

Shane Massey was elected to the South Carolina Senate last year to fill the unexpired term of Tommy Moore. Mr. Massey promised to shake up things in Columbia if elected. While he may not have done a whole lot of shaking in his first year, he has been a responsible representative for the constituents of District 25 and deserves an opportunity to serve for a full term.

The district which includes parts of Aiken County, Edgefield, Saluda and McCormick counties, is large. Representing the residents of that large a geographical area is not an easy matter, but Mr. Massey has launched his Senate tenure with a desire to keep his finger on the pulse of the citizens through his meetings around the district. He is also insistent on serving the conservative leanings of most of those within the district. (more…)

Mechanism needed to absorb jolts of the legislative spending cycle

State Sen. Harvey Peeler is correct when he points out that the state needs a shock absorber to even out the jolts from poor spending decisions.

The senator’s metaphor describes the situation well. A shock absorber takes up some of the impact of holes in the road, evening out the ride of a car by limiting the up and down movement of the suspension.

South Carolina has been made car sick by the ups and downs of state spending and budget cuts. The cycle of legislative spending is clear. When the economy is growing, the General Assembly spends all the money it can, every dime that is forecast to come into the state’s coffers. Lawmakers give no thought to the inevitable economic downturn. For instance, last year, lawmakers spent more than $1 billion in revenue growth. (more…)