House Republicans Give in to Democratic Pressure over Cuts to Local Government

GOP indicates their intention to reduce cuts after Democratic resistance

Columbia, SC – In an effort to kill legislation proposed by House Republicans that would cut funding to local governments by $122 million in this year’s budget, Democrats in the House blasted the proposal for nearly four hours on Thursday.

Democrats took a stand against the Republican proposal t hat would force local governments to either raise property taxes or cut basic services in communities across South Carolina. Dozens of House Democrats spoke out against the tax hike proposal on the house floor, proposing amendments exempting all 46 counties from being subject to the cuts.

“House Democrats refuse to force local governments to raise taxes on their citizens simply because Republicans cannot provide solutions for the problems they created”, said Rep. James Smith (D-Columbia). “These cuts would cripple local governments to the point that they could no longer operate and provide basic services like fire, police, and EMS”.

Smith concluded that these were the most irresponsible cuts he’s seen proposed in his twelve years in the House.

Press reports indicate that the Democratic opposition to this bill had forced Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dan Cooper (R-Anderson) to reconsider the magnitude of the cuts. He told the Greenville News on Friday that he thinks it is a strong possibility that the committee could reduce the cuts from $122 million to $50 million.

“We’re pleased with the reduction in the cuts, but it’s not enough. We won’t stay quiet while our colleagues across the aisle attempt to pass the buck of responsibility”, said Democratic Leader Harry Ott (D-St. Matthews), who also serves on the Ways and Means Committee.

House Democrats will continue to fight for jobs, public education, and healthcare during budget week slated to begin Monday morning.

S.C. Senate Begins Legislative Session

From Sen. Hugh Leatherman

Today at noon, the regular session of the 118th General Assembly of South Carolina will convene. We have many important issues facing our state, but we will work together, Republican and Democrat alike, to pass legislation that will improve the lives of South Carolinians.

I urge you to stay involved with the legislative process. As your elected state senator, I depend on hearing your thoughts, ideas and concerns. And the more that I know about the different issues facing you, the better opportunity that we will have to work together to improve as a community. After all, I am in Columbia for one reason – to represent the families of the Pee Dee region.

One issue that I have heard from many of you about and one that I have dedicated a lot of time to during the interim is the reformation of the state’s tax code. Earlier last month, I prefiled legislation that creates an 11 member commission, comprised of individuals who have extensive experience with public finance, tax administration, economics and tax law.

The South Carolina Taxation Realignment Commission (TRAC) will fully investigate the current effectiveness of the current tax system’s structure, as well as looking at the impacts of any proposed changes effecting tax revenues, while examining the assessment of state taxes currently levied. In addition, the TRAC will look at sales tax exemptions to examine which need to be retained, modified or repealed.

It is my hope the work of this commission will bring forth recommendations of a more understandable and user friendly tax system for our state.

Once again, if I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

S.C. Auto Insurance Rates

The average auto insurance expenditure in South Carolina remains below the national average according to a recent study released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. South Carolina drivers on average spend $756.11 per year on auto insurance which is $61 less than the national average of $817.11 according to the latest study from 2006 just released. The average expenditure estimates what consumers in South Carolina spent, on average, for auto insurance in 2006.

The South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation requiring an increase in the minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage which took effect January 1, 2007. Act 395 requires drivers to carry liability coverage in amounts of no less than $25,000 of bodily injury per person, $50,000 of bodily injury per accident and $25,000 of property damage coverage (usually written as 25/50/25).

Neighboring States

Georgia $788.08

Florida $1,069.38

North Carolina $596.39

Virginia $684.52