THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

Last week, the Department of Justice busted what they say is the biggest identity theft case they’ve ever prosecuted. Thieves are accused of hacking into retailer computers and stealing 40 million credit card numbers, including those for BJ’s Wholesale, Office Max, and Sports Authority. The good news is the state legislature has passed a new law to help protect you from identity theft.

“It startled me. You feel invaded,” said Jan McCloud when she found a surprise in her mailbox. “We found a bill from Sears and I don’t have a Sears card, nor does my husband.”

She says someone had stolen her identity and ran up a bill for clothes and shoes. Because she’s a victim, she’s had her credit report frozen. That means no one can open an account in her name unless she gives a passcode. (more…)

Quote of the Week– “If you all don’t work together, I’ll be back.”
Senator John Drummond’s final comments to the South Carolina Senate as he gaveled the session closed on Thursday June 05, 2008.

Immigration Reform Signed by Governor (Wednesday, June 04)
Illegal immigration reform was the number one issue going in the 117th General Assembly session and it came to a final resolution on Wednesday, June 04, when the Governor signed the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act into law. South Carolina now has the strongest, most comprehensive illegal immigration reform law in the nation.

The law requires that all employers use the federal E-Verify or a valid South Carolina driver’s license to confirm the legal status of new employees. The law allows businesses up to five days to verify a new employee’s legal status or be subject to fines and the loss of a newly developed South Carolina License to Hire.

Senator Jim Ritchie (R-Spartanburg) commented after the Governor signed the bill: “The whole point of this bill is to create a level playing field for everyone and prevent those who choose to operate outside the law from gaining a competitive advantage over businesses that play by the rules. The rule of law can now be asserted where the federal government has failed to protect our communities.”

Budget Vetoes Overridden by General Assembly (Wednesday, June 04) Governor Mark Sanford returned 69 vetoes to the 2008-2009 General Appropriations bill, this week the General Assembly overrode 57 of them. Senator Hugh Leatherman says this year’s $7 billion budget, which goes into effect on July 1, is a “lean but responsible budget that addresses the core needs of the state.”

Despite critics’ comments, the State Budget Office constantly monitors the budgeting process to ensure that appropriations do not exceed forecasted revenues. This year’s budget also includes almost $100 million in new money from the General Fund.

Where Are They Now - Bills Status at the End of the Session
Education Accountability Act ………………….. H.4662 - Allowed to Become Law
Concealed Weapons Reciprocity………………….. H.3212 – Pending Conference Committee
Sprinkler Bill………………….. H.4470 - Pending Governor’s Approval
DNA Databank-Post Conviction DNA ………………….. S.429 - Pending Conference Committee
Critical Needs Nursing Fund ………………….. S.1022 – Veto Overridden
Safe-Cigarette Regulations………………….. H.4900 – Veto Overridden
Historical Documents Display………………….. H. 3159 – Pending Governor’s Approval
Government Restructuring………………….. H.3590 - Stalled
Government Accountability Act ………………….. H.4538 - Stalled
Civil War Sesquicentennial Advisory Board………………….. S.104 - Allowed to become law
I Believe License Plate………………….. S.1329 - (Allowed to Become Law)
Constitutional Amend. Guaranteeing the Rights of Hunting and Fishing ……………… H.3202 - Stalled

Keel Confirmed by Senate as New Director of DPS (Wednesday, June 04) The Senate, by an unanimous vote, confirmed Mark A. Keel as the new Director of the Department of Public Safety, he now is immediately eligible to be sworn-in. Mr. Keel gave the following statement concerning his confirmation:

“I appreciate the confidence Governor Sanford has placed in me by nominating me to serve as the Director of the Department of Public Safety and I am grateful to each member of the Senate for their support, confidence and trust in my abilities during the confirmation process. I look forward to being associated with the professional and hardworking employees of this agency who protect and serve the citizens of the State of South Carolina.”
Mr. Keel has been serving as the Assistant Director and Assistant Chief at the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), where he has served since August of 1979.

Senator John Drummond Ends 44 Years of Service to South Carolina Called the standard-bearer for the “Greatest Generation” Senator John Drummond (D-Greenwood) spent his final day in the General Assembly being honored for his life of service. Senator Drummond first came to the General Assembly in 1965, where he served in the House of Representatives until 1966. In 1967, he was elected to serve Senate District 10. Although, Senator Drummond has accomplished many things in his life, including surviving a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, his legacy to the Senate will be a spirit of unity and bi-partisanship. The South Carolina Senate unanimously adopted a resolution thanking Senator John W. Drummond for his service.

In addition to Senator Drummond, five other Senators are retiring.
Kay Patterson (D-Richland) served in the Senate from 1985-2008.

Greg Gregory (R-Lancaster) served in the Senate from 1993-2008.

Linda Short (D-Chester) served in the Senate from 1993-2008.

John Hawkins (R-Spartanburg) served in the Senate from 2001-2007.

Lewis Vaughn (R-Greenville) served in the Senate from 2007-2008.

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Columbia, SC - The South Carolina Senate closed the regular session today still debating tough issues. In the waning moments of the session the Senate brokered an agreement on the concealed weapons reciprocity bill (H.3212), which expands the number of states recognizing South Carolina’s concealed weapons permits to at least 27. The Senate was also able to build consensus on several DNA bills that were added as amendments to S.429, the final details of a conference committee report will be considered when the General Assembly reconvenes later this month for a final wrap-up session.

Overall this session was highlighted by reform measures being passed on several high profile issues: illegal immigration, DUI, education, and small business health care.

“Immigration reform was the bright and shining star of this session, because it took everyone working together to come up with a viable solution,” says Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee). “I would consider this a correction session. The Senate made significant changes to DUI, education and illegal immigration. I am most pleased that despite a lean budget, we were able to put almost $100 million of new general fund money into K-12 education.”

The biggest topic of the year, immigration reform, came to a final resolution this week when Governor Mark Sanford signed the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act into law. The nation’s strongest and most comprehensive immigration reform law was the result of two years of work by Senate leaders, particularly Senator Jim Ritchie (R-Spartanburg).

“After two years of hard work, South Carolina now has the strongest, most comprehensive illegal immigration reform law in the country. In addition to a strong E-Verify requirement for all employers, this law addresses all of the key issues in the fight against illegal immigration,” says Senator Ritchie.
The Senate passed a new DUI law this year that significantly increases penalties for those convicted of DUI. The bill established a tiered system of offenses and penalties. Those convicted of DUI for the first time face the possibility of increased jail time and fines. The new reform bill also removed many of the legal loopholes that have been exploited in the past by defense attorneys. Senator Larry Martin (R-Pickens) Chaired the Joint Legislative Conference Committee that hammered out the final agreement on the bill.

“The Senate took two major steps in strengthening the state’s DUI laws,” says Senator Martin. “First, the Senate removed the cumbersome requirement that officers provide multiple roadside warnings to those suspected of DUI. Second, the Senate created a tiered system for first-time offenders that increases penalties for people whose blood alcohol content is above .16.”

The Education Accountability Act became a big issue this session as legislators discussed the elimination of the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). The ten-year-old test was scheduled to expire and educators wanted to replace the test, which they claim does not provide the individual assessments needed to benefit students. Senator Wes Hayes (R-York) shepherded the bill through the Senate.

“This is possibly the most important education bill that passed the General Assembly this session,” says Senator Hayes. “This bill makes some significant changes to the accountability system. Testing will not only measure how our schools and students are performing, but will provide teachers the diagnostic feedback needed to help individual students improve.”

Small businesses are now able to join together to form “Healthcare Cooperatives,” thanks in large part to the Senate Republican Caucus. The law allows a group of 10 or more industry-related, small businesses to join together for the purpose of purchasing group insurance, which often provides cheaper rates than can be negotiated by an individual business. Senator David Thomas (R-Greenville), Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, was one of the top advocates for the bill during the last two legislative sessions.

“This law will increase the affordability of health insurance for small business throughout South Carolina,” says Senator Thomas. “We need to do all we can to help small business be as competitive as possible, and this bill is a key step in that direction.”

The General Assembly is expected to return for no more than three legislative days between June 17 and 27, to consider gubernatorial vetoes, conference committee reports and a limited number of other items outlined in the Sine Die resolution.

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Columbia, SC- Senator Jim Ritchie (R-Spartanburg) released the following statement today related to the Governor’s signing of the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act:

“This is a victorious day for the citizens of South Carolina. After two years of hard work South Carolina now has the strongest, most comprehensive illegal immigration reform law in the country. In addition to a strong E-Verify requirement for all employers, this law addresses all of the key issues in the fight against illegal immigration.

The whole point of this bill is to create a level playing field for everyone and prevent those who choose to operate outside the law from gaining a competitive advantage over businesses that play by the rules. The rule of law can now be asserted where the federal government has failed to protect our communities.

I am proud to have led this effort, but the bill we have today included work by many members of the Senate Republican Caucus. This bill is the result of the General Assembly coming together to do what is best for the citizens of South Carolina. The Governor’s support throughout this debate was also key in bringing this issue to a final resolution.”

Senator Ritchie has led the Senate’s efforts on illegal immigration for the past two years. He introduced the first comprehensive illegal immigration bill in the spring of 2007 and served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee that spent more than a year studying illegal immigration.

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