House Democrats Unveil 2009 Legislative Agenda

Job creation, economic sustainability, and cigarette tax among top priorities

Democratic members of the House unveiled a progressive agenda on Tuesday that included creating jobs, supporting initiatives that encourage economic sustainability, and passing a cigarette tax plan that would make health care accessible for uninsured South Carolinians.

“Our state and nation are facing severe economic times, and we must work together in a bipartisan effort to ensure that the needs of South Carolinians are met,” said Minority Leader, Harry Ott. “Democrats in the House are focused and ready to pursue a progressive agenda to move our state forward,” said Ott.

The House Democratic Caucus agenda includes:

Creating Jobs – South Carolina is currently facing the highest unemployment rate in 25 years. At 8.4 percent, we are the third worst in the nation. We must create an environment that encourages businesses to locate in South Carolina.

Economic Sustainability – After cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget, more cuts are facing South Carolina. We must create a non-partisan advisory committee to assess our current tax policies along with revenue projections. We must work towards a pro-growth tax structure that provides revenue for important programs and services while protecting families and small businesses. We must also strengthen our re serve funds.

Cigarette Tax – After failing to receive the two thirds vote to overturn the Governor’s veto of H. 3567, the cigarette tax increase failed to pass last session. It is essential that the General Assembly pass a 50 cent cigarette tax increase that would insure the revenue received would qualify for matched federal funds. The additional revenues must be used to make health care more accessible for uninsured South Carolinians. We must also support and encourage smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Pay-Day Lending – At a time of economic uncertainty, we must ensure that our constituents are protected from predatory payday and title lending practices. We will support regulations that protect consumers such as lending caps, a database to track the loans being issued, a limit of one outstanding loan, and extended payment plans.

Rural Infrastructure – Investing in our state’s rural infrastructure not only encourages economic development, but it creates jobs for the 77,000 unemployed South Carolinians. We must capitalize on the opportunity to receive federal funds for local community projects through the proposed federal Economic Stimulus Plan. We must also invest in broadband accessibility to all South Carolina residents.

Education – We must ensure that every child be given the opportunity to obtain a high qualit y education and reach his or her God given potential. It is no longer acceptable for the South Carolina Constitution to provide for a “minimally adequate” education for our children. We will support a joint resolution to change the wording of the South Carolina Constitution to read “high quality.”

Early Voting - We must allow South Carolinians every opportunity possible to exercise their right to vote. We will support legislation that provides voters the opportunity to vote up to 15 days prior to a statewide election. We will also support allowing local election offices the authority to establish additional early voting locations.