Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell says federal stimulus money shouldn't be used to patch state budget holes. McConnell, R-Charlestion, said Thursday the money approved by the U.S. House would be a time bomb and artificially inflate the state's revenues only delaying a deficit. The $819 billion stimulus plan includes $3.2 billion for South Carolina. The state gets money for schools and bridge and road projects. But it also would pump $905 million into a state budget that's lost $1 … [Read more...]

South Carolina senators have introduced a bill changing the leadership structure of the State Ports Authority. GOP Sen. Larry Grooms of Bonneau says the measure will add stability to the board to ensure the ports remain an economic driver for the state. Charleston was once the second-largest container port on the East Coast. It's now fourth. And the port's largest container carrier, Maersk Line, has announced it would leave Charleston next year. The Senate proposal would set qualifications … [Read more...]

A group of 13 people from around South Carolina, including a current and a former ambassador, will lead the way in finding a leader for the State Ports Authority. But the local maritime community worries it's underrepresented. Choosing a search committee marks the first step in replacing Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., who resigned abruptly as chief executive officer of the powerful agency Jan. 21 in the middle of a semiannual job evaluation. Former SPA board member John Hassell serves as interim … [Read more...]

Two key leaders of South Carolina's Legislature said Friday they would have problems agreeing to accept some of the federal stimulus money passed by the U.S. House if Gov. Mark Sanford decides not to ask for it. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn of Columbia, House majority whip, included a provision that would allow state legislators to bypass governors to seek the money if a governor doesn't request the funding. Sanford opposes the stimulus plan because he believes it will simply add more debt to a … [Read more...]

Members of the South Carolina Senate today took action and filed a plan that restructures the State Ports Authority. The plan forces strict accountability and stability to ensure that the State Ports Authority will remain a primary economic engine for the state. Introduced by Senators Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston), Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley), Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence), and John Land (D-Clarendon) the plan’s most substantive reforms create additional legislative oversight and restructures … [Read more...]

The South Carolina Senate has decided to meet only one day next week to save taxpayer money. Senators will be in regular session Tuesday, but only subcommittees will meet Wednesday. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell says that includes fewer than half of the 46 senators. None will meet Thursday. The move will save taxpayers thousands of dollars in fuel reimbursements and meal and hotel allowances. Like other agencies, the legislative budgets have taken cuts. House members will meet in … [Read more...]

The current fiscal crisis has forced the state of South Carolina to sharply cut budgets, reduce services and furlough employees, and the bad economic news might not be over yet. At least state legislators have apparently learned something by the bitter experience. A proposal to impose a spending cap on the state budgetary process, to limit the consequences of economic ups and downs, already has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 22-0 vote that should herald early Senate approval. The … [Read more...]

Students assaulting teachers would face tougher penalties under legislation the Senate Judiciary Committee sent to the floor Tuesday. The bill, which passed on a 22-0 vote, would send students to jail for up to 30 days and fine them up to $500 for simple assault on school officials including teachers on school grounds or at school events. Students convicted of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature face up to 10 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. The committee also … [Read more...]