South Carolina Club for Growth

SC Club for Growth says “sustain” S. 351

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South Carolina Club for Growth strongly urges all members of the SC Senate to sustain S. 351, R. 64, which makes detrimental changes to the State Ports Authority. S. 351, R. 64 will be the final scored vote before the Club releases its 2009-2010 Interim Legislative Scorecard.

In summary, the bill is essentially “restructuring in reverse” through increased bureaucracy and the potential for undue political influence. South Carolina needs an effective and well-managed ports system to remain competitive in the 21st century. However, S. 351, R. 64 will make much-need reforms very difficult by effectively eliminating the governor’s ability to remove board members.

South Carolina’s neighbors, including Georgia, have recognized that putting accountable board members (appointed by the executive branch) in charge of day-to-day policy, administrative, and management decisions leads to success.  Likewise, despite recent battles between South Carolina’s current executive and legislative branches, future South Carolina governors deserve an opportunity to make their imprint on our state government.

Taxpayers across South Carolina want accountable and efficient government through a true executive branch they can hold accountable for results – instead of an executive branch hamstrung with even more unaccountable bureaucracy.

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The South Carolina Club for Growth is a network of thousands of South Carolinians, from all walks of life, who believe that prosperity and opportunity come through economic freedom. We work to promote public policies that promote economic growth primarily through legislative involvement, issue advocacy, research, training, and educational activity.

SC Club for Growth
PO Box 11909
Columbia, SC 29211
twitter: SCClub4Growth
phone: 803.454.1134

Many of our members have asked The Club to list the SC Senators and Representatives who yesterday attempted to force Governor Sanford to apply for $350 million in federal stimulus dollars.  SC Club for Growth firmly believes the legislature’s attempt to ignore Executive Branch policy decisions clearly violates the separation of powers defined in our state’s constitution.  The three independent branches of state government exist to safeguard against one branch having too much power.

As we said in our Key Vote Alert yesterday:

“the amendments to the budget forcing the acceptance of $700 million in stimulus funds are in violation of our state’s constitution.  This is backed up by public opinions from South Carolina’s Attorney General, the Congressional Research Service, and the federal Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who have all argued that only the governor can apply for and accept these stimulus funds. SC Club for Growth firmly believes the legislature’s efforts clearly violate federal law and will score any associated veto overrides.”

SC Club for Growth encourages you to contact your legislator to either ask them “Why did you support violating the state’s constitution?” or to say “Thank you for defending responsible government.”

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SC Club for Growth to Score All Votes on Budget Vetoes

The South Carolina Club for Growth urges all Representatives and Senators to vote “NO” on overriding Governor Mark Sanford’s budget vetoes.  We will be scoring every budget veto vote as part of our 2009 Legislative Scorecard.

Unlike the alternative budgets presented in the House and Senate, we believe this year’s budget inadequately funds the core functions of government.  Much of this budget was crafted by staff members along with the finance committee chairmen and passed the House in a mere two hours – with not even the minimal 24 hours of review for legislators and the public.  South Carolinians deserve open and accountable government, instead of one that is crafted behind closed doors.

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Advocates for good government are rarely surprised by House Ways & Means Chairman Dan Cooper and Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman. They continually oppose responsible spending in our state budgets and have worked against Governor Sanford’s reform agenda on the Budget and Control Board.

But the pair reached a new low last week. A state budget crafted by only Cooper and Leatherman passed the SC House after legislators REFUSED to allow other legislators (led by Rep. Nikki Haley) and the public to review the budget for 24 hours. How’s that for transparency?

SC Club for Growth remains committed to shining a light in the darkest corners of state government. In keeping with our mission, here are the 93 House members who voted AGAINST transparency (click here to contact your House member):

Source: May 12, 2009 House Journal “Rep. HALEY moved to adjourn debate…”

Those voting AGAINST Rep. Haley’s motion:

Agnew
Allen
Allison
Anderson

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From earlier today:

South Carolina Club for Growth strongly urges all members of the General Assembly to support Senator Lee Bright’s motion to recommit Judge Kaye Hearn’s nomination to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. The vote will be included in the Club’s 2009-2010 Legislative Scorecard.

SC Club for Growth believes South Carolina’s judicial selection process needs significant reforms. Those reforms include moving to a more federal-style selection system, where nominees are chosen by the governor and confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate. Judge Hearn’s now-unopposed nomination has exposed every imaginable flaw in the current system.

Mainly, political maneuvering and blatant disregard for judicial merit have characterized the process. Recommitting Judge Hearn’s nomination would bring much-needed awareness to these problems. South Carolinians deserve a judicial system served by independent and responsible judges – not by those who can survive the Columbia political gauntlet.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“In my 17 years in the Senate, I’ve never witnessed the rejection of a vote on any amendment in any committee by any member…” – Sen. Greg Ryberg on the refusal of the Senate Finance Committee to vote on his and Sen. Tom Davis’ budget proposal

“Legislative leaders are creating hysteria over federal stimulus funds, threatening to fire teachers and police officers and let criminals go free if Gov. Mark Sanford doesn’t cave and let them spend millions of one-time dollars on recurring programs. The S.C. media have also thrown objectivity out the window and fed the flames of panic. They have highlighted the misleading projections of politically motivated legislators and special-interest groups, and demonized anyone who expresses concern about spending billions of borrowed government dollars.” – SCPC’s Ashley Landess highlighting the problems with stimulus dollars

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

Ashley Landess points out costs of spending one-time stimulus money

http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/apr/18/landess79138/

SCPC: State Program Spends Millions Despite Expired Legislative Authorization

http://tinyurl.com/cmmpue

Herald-Journal says tea parties’ message clear: Government too big, too expensive

http://tinyurl.com/d9op8e

Treasurer Chellis continues to ignore debt

http://tinyurl.com/ccn4mk

Antiquated judicial selection process leads to axing of conservative Supreme Court candidate

http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/04/13/panel-ditches-conservative-judge/

FITS: Even in budget crisis, Harrell & others keep taxpayer-funded gravy train flowing

http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/04/20/bobby-harrell-pimps-the-fear/

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“The governor, after all, is only trying to address what anybody, on the left or right, ought to acknowledge as a serious long-term problem. Sanford’s South Carolina –- like many other states and, to a much greater degree, like the federal government itself –- is facing a tremendous debt obligation. The state is now fourth in the nation with respect to the percentage of tax revenue spent on debt service–that is, the millions of taxpayer dollars that don’t go to schools or bridges or anything else that Frank presumably thinks are important governmental responsibilities. Further, the state’s pension plan has fallen to the bottom 15 percent of plans nationwide in unfunded liabilities. If these and related problems continue to go unaddressed, later generations of South Carolinians will face the consequences in the form of tax hikes, benefit cuts, and recession.” – Mallory Factor op-ed on Governor Sanford’s proposal to use stimulus dollars to address long-term debt obligations

“If lawmakers have a hope of moving Sanford to use the $700 million, they will have to do their part by coming up with a budget that recognizes our economic realities. While many people don’t want to see money intended for South Carolina — money we will have to pay back — go elsewhere, they also don’t want to see state legislators spend one-time money as if it’s always going to be there. That’s a bad habit we’ve suffered from many times over.” – Beaufort Gazette editorial calling for smart budgeting

“South Carolina athletics director Eric Hyman is not letting the recession hold up his plan for the Gamecocks’ athletics facilities…The board of trustees’ building and grounds committee approved $19 million in construction costs for the 60,000-square-foot administration building…Trustees also signed off on $5.3 million for the tennis facility, $8.8 million for the parking garage and $16.6 million in infrastructure costs for utilities, landscaping, lighting and walkways in the athletics village.” – State article on USC funding priorities

“School-choice advocates are questioning why the State Department of Education is spending millions on consultants, some of whom are politically connected.  That includes more than $58,000 paid so far this fiscal year to Democratic consultant Zeke Stokes, who ran State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex’s successful 2006 campaign, catapulting the only Democrat into statewide office.” – The State examining questionable contracts received by political staffers

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

Gov. Sanford suggests using stimulus to shore up retirement system
Munson: Legislature should pass restructuring
Questions raised about consultants being paid by Jim Rex’s Dept. of Ed
Despite economic realities, USC to spend $50 million on athletics project
Policy Council, others examine state’s high marginal tax rate

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Dear SC Club for Growth Supporter,

We hope this email finds you well. It’s been a busy few months in Columbia!  SC Club for Growth continues its work as our state’s #1 watchdog for taxpayers and small businesses.

Below you can find updates on a variety of fronts:

1. SC Club for Growth Announces 2009 Legislative Goals

Our recent letter to South Carolina legislators outlines SC Club for Growth’s positions on the major issues facing South Carolina.  Through the input of our board members and others, we believe these positions best represent the goals of reform-minded, fiscal conservatives in our state and hope you agree.  Please click here to view the letter!

If you have questions or thoughts in a certain policy area, please let us know.

2. In Case You Missed It – SC Club for Growth Chairman’s Op-Ed in The State

SC Club for Growth Chairman Chad Walldorf wrote recently in The State that “Gov. Mark Sanford has consistently been a lone voice urging us to pay down our debts and avoid unsustainable increases in government programs.”  We hope you’ll take the time to read his insightful op-ed.  Click here to read.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“While there are many underlying reasons for our economic crisis — and while our political leaders in Washington and Columbia are searching for solutions to our ailing economy — I believe firmly that the ultimate solution will not be found by increasing government spending. In fact, the increasing role (and cost) of government has in part made the situation worse…It is time for state government to stop protecting the past because we always have and start looking to improve the future because the citizens of this state deserve better.” – Rep. Nikki Haley on the need for fiscal accountability

“But taxpayers everywhere should not ignore the governor’s apparent points of principle — the tightrope this federal largesse demands we mount. It’s all borrowed money, and if South Carolina or any state applies windfall revenue to recurring expenses, they engage a fundamental rule of good business and good government. When the windfall ends, the recurring expenses continue and, in most cases, have expanded. For state and local governmental entities, it’s a looming revenue trap avoidable only with a broad economic recovery and absolute success of the Obama plan.” – Ron Brinson on the issues raised by Gov. Sanford & stimulus dollars

“We are witnessing the greatest generational wealth transfer in history. Even worse than leaving the cupboard bare would be our kids finding it contains only a massive IOU to foreign countries.  These borrowed monies will only come to our state for a limited time, yet many want to spend them on recurring programs that leave holes in future budgets. Governor Sanford proposes we use a modest fourth of these funds to reduce long-term obligations and save hundreds of millions in interest. Legislators can and should choose to have these federal funds come to South Carolina by agreeing to pay down more debt in their budget.” – SC CFG Chairman Chad Walldorf in the Post & Courier

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

Gov. Sanford: Even without stimulus, record state spending
Rep. Nikki Haley editorializes in favor of fiscal accountability
SC CFG Chairman Chad Walldorf’s op-ed runs in Post & Courier
Ron Brinson says Sanford raises issues that need answering

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To join our Weekly Press Clips email list, please click here!

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“The pain most of us are feeling in this economic crisis largely stems from a lack of principled leadership, as organizations and individuals ignored financial realities and spent beyond their means. I am proud that our state has a chief executive who remains steadfast fighting against those impulses and exhibits a rare integrity by governing just as he said he would on the campaign trail.” – SC Club for Growth’s Chairman in The State

“We can either fight for kids or we can fight for the same old broken system that holds them back.” – Senator Robert Ford supporting the school choice bill announced this week

“Because, as politicians like to say, it’s about “the future of all our children.” And the future of all our children is that they’ll be paying off the past of all their grandparents. At 12 percent of GDP, this year’s deficit is the highest since the Second World War, and prioritizes not economic vitality but massive expansion of government. But hey, it’s not our problem. As Lord Keynes observed, “In the long run we’re all dead.” Well, most of us will be. But not you youngsters, not for a while. So we’ve figured it out: You’re the ultimate credit market, and the rest of us are all pre-approved!” – Mark Steyn on “The Brokest Generation”

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