I just wanted to let you know that SC Club for Growth will score ALL of today’s budget veto votes in the SC House of Representatives and any subsequent votes in the SC Senate. Those votes will be included in SC Club for Growth’s 2010 Legislative Scorecards.

Today’s votes are critical. Mainly, sustaining the vetoes will set our state back on the course to financial order. South Carolina will lose around $1 Billion in federal stimulus funds next year, but the budget passed this year actually grows government by around 4 percent. Tough decisions must be made on spending, and better now than passing responsibility down the road.

Increased scorecard weight will be given to some budget veto votes including the following:

Vetoes 48 and 49 – House and Senate Budget Increase
At a time when teachers and law enforcement officers are losing their jobs, it is unfathomable that legislators would increase their own budgets. Yet this year’s state budget passed with a combined budget increase of over $4 million for the House and Senate. Legislators should sustain the governor’s veto.

Veto 50 – Lt. Governor’s Security Detail
Excluding the governor, none of the other constitutional officers require a security detail and they have full-time positions.  This boondoggle of a perk was ended by Bob Peeler nearly 20 years ago, but Andre Bauer successfully lobbied for its return. After seeing their dollars wasted over the last few years, South Carolina taxpayers are the ones most in need of security these days, and the details aren’t pretty.

Veto 52 – Budget and Control Board
South Carolina’s “only one in the nation” Budget and Control Board continues to carry forward approximately $60 million in unrestricted funds. The Budget and Control Board should rely on these funds to get through a tough budget year.

Veto 107 – Part IV Federal Medical Assistance Packages (“FMAP”)
Including FMAP funding in the state budget without a federal appropriation amounts to passing an unbalanced budget. Given the unlikelihood of Congress passing an extra two quarters of funding, SC Club for Growth believes it is in the best interests of taxpayers to deal with the problem “now.”

Sincerely,
SC Club for Growth

“Once again it has taken a scandal to force the S.C. Legislature to give the governor’s office a modicum of additional power. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely lawmakers will make any further changes this year that would strengthen what arguably is the weakest chief executive in the nation….Unfortunately, the Cabinet still is very much a work in progress. Even the late Gov. Carroll Campbell’s restructuring success two decades ago left most state agencies still under legislative supervision and many of the executive functions under the supervision of the five-member Budget and Control Board – the only one of its kind in the country.” - Post and Courier’s Barbara Williams asks “Why does it take scandal to get reform?”

“The people of South Carolina deserve a response as to how these funds went missing and why it has been 22 months since the Treasurer’s Office was last audited.” – Treasurer candidate Curtis Loftis on the need for an outside audit of the treasurer’s office

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

Barbara Williams: Why does it take scandal to get reform?

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/06/why-does-it-take-scandal-get-reform/

The State advocates for empowering executive branch appointment power…

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/14/1242606/usc-trustee-battle-illustrates.html

…and Barbara Williams laments legislature’s hold on judicial selection

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/11/sc-high-court-decisionsad-judicial-reform-lesson/

Curtis Loftis says treasurer’s office should be audited…

http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2010/04/loftis-treasurers-office-should-be-audited.html

…as Post and Courier says $120M accounting errors “unacceptable”

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/20/state-of-counting-confusion/

Anti-Reformers in Senate try to kill Rep. Nikki Haley’s roll call voting bill

http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com/2010/04/18/senate-republicans-trying-to-kill-haley-roll-call-voting-bill/

The Nerve: SC State Pension system among worst funded…

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-04-23/Report_State_Pension_Plan_Among_Worst-Funded.aspx

… as Post and Courier echoes CG Eckstrom’s warning about state’s unfunded liabilities

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/12/states-of-fiscal-folly/

STATE BUDGET

SC Policy Council Fast Facts: State Budget Still Growing

http://scpolicycouncil.com/research-and-publications-/fact-sheets/899-fact-facts-increased-finesfees-keeping-spending-high

Stimulus funds create budget cliff for state schools, colleges…

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/21/disappearing-bailout-funds-will-leave-big-gaps/ (AP)

…yet government entities continue to throw money at airlines

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/22/airports-chief-trying-hard-to-land-new-carrier/

Sen. Shane Martin says legislature must limit spending

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100414/ARTICLES/100419856/1132/OPINION?Title=SC-lawmakers-must-learn-to-spend-within-their-means

COMMON-SENSE, GOOD GOVERNMENT

Gov. Sanford joins Dr. Russ Sobel in addressing SC’s business climate, cigarette tax hike…

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2010-04-23/sanford-blasts-tax-added-cigarettes?v=1271989177

…as Senator Glenn McConnell does the “Cigarette Tax Two-Step”

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/04/16/glenn-mcconnells-cigarette-tax-two-step/

The Nerve highlights Converse Chellis spending public funds on TV ads featuring…himself

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-04-19/Pols_in_Ads_The_People_s_Work_or_Self-Promotion.aspx

Editorials praise ESC reform as positive step forward…

http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_employment_commission_overhaul_is_positive_step_forward_for_state/114673/

http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/local/article/editorial_crucial_unemployment_agency_reform_deserves_watchful_eye/114619/

…as governor names retired Brig. Gen. John Finan to head the agency

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/21/1252985/sanford-names-retired-general.html

Herald-Journal says home sprinkler law ‘ridiculous’

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100414/ARTICLES/4141000/1128/OPINION?Title=Why-mandatory-

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=86238&catid=2 (TV report)

Senate stalling on tort reform

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/04/13/sc-senate-stalling-on-tort-reform/

Battle against unfair, unwise retail incentives continues

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/12/sanford-rails-against-retail-incentives/

EDUCATION REFORM

SC schools’ report cards tell sobering story

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/16/1246141/sc-school-report-cards-ratings.html

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100416/NEWS/304160025/Parents-may-have-trouble-interpreting-new-schools-ratings-out-today

School budget backlash in Aiken County

http://www.voiceforschoolchoice.com/2010/04/23/budget-backlash-in-aiken-county/

OF INTEREST

SC Club for Growth PAC endorses Curtis Loftis for State Treasurer

http://www.curtisloftis.com/clubforgrowth

Tim Scott leads in CD1 fundraising

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/20/rep-tim-scott-pulls-ahead-in-fundraising/

GOP gov hopefuls debate in Spartanburg today

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100423/NEWS/304230019/Republican-gubernatorial-debate-today-kicks-off-busy-political-weekend

Former SC Lawmaker “Won’t Go Home”

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/04/19/former-sc-lawmaker-wont-go-home/

Former SCGOP Treasurer: Party Wasting Donors’ Money

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/04/12/former-scgop-treasurer-party-wasting-donors-money/

The State: Senate should abolish campaign black-out period

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/22/1254405/senate-should-abolish-campaign.html

“The ESC debacle clearly revealed the systemic flaws inherent in South Carolina’s legislatively dominated system of governance. And, as usual, it took a train wreck to get the Legislature’s attention. ESC’s example should encourage broader improvements, starting with Senate approval of a Department of Administration bill, already endorsed by the House.” - Charleston Post and Courier praising ESC reform

“Sanford was correct to draw our attention to the fact that by accepting the money, we were only kicking the can down the road. A year has passed. We’re halfway back to the can. As soon as this year’s budget is written, we should begin doing whatever we can as a state to prepare, to come to some consensus on what South Carolina government should look like, or that two-year reprieve will have been totally squandered.” - Sun News calling for spending reforms

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

Greenville News, Morning News, Anderson-Independent, P&C praise ESC reform…

http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_unemployment_agency_reform_crucial_but_deserves_a_watchful_eye/114093/

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/28/finally-esc-reform/

Sen. Greg Ryberg explains significance of ESC reform

http://www.aikenstandard.com/OpEdColumns/0402-ryberg-column

…as The Herald calls for similar restructuring in other agencies…

http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/04/04/2063446/overhauling-the-esc.html

Innovista approaching “boondoggle” status

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/04/1228564/innovista-still-short-on-private.html

Sun News on stimulus budgets: “we were only kicking the can down the road”

http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/04/04/1401332/halfway-back-to-the-can.html

EngenuitySC Reaps Public Funds, Shows Little Return

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-03-31/EngenuitySC_Reaps_Public_Funds_Shows_Little_Return.aspx

STATE BUDGET

Opinion mixed on cigarette tax increase, Gov. Sanford hinting at veto

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/top-stories/89885307.html

COMMON-SENSE, GOOD GOVERNMENT

Sen. Tom Davis continues push against Sembler

http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/04/03/1194114/next-up-for-sembler-the-environment.html

Tom Young pens op-ed on spending caps, restructuring

http://www.aikenstandard.com/OpEdColumns/0330-young-column

Scoppe, The State, Herald-Journal say judicial selection process needs overhaul
http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/30/1221775/scoppe-judicial-restraint-over.html

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100331/ARTICLES/3311017/1128/OPINION?Title=Selecting-judges

Post and Courier applauds Senate’s spending cap passage

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/01/long-term-state-budget-fix/

Island Packet says ethics process reform should apply to legislators too

http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/04/03/1194110/public-owed-more-open-ethics-inquiry.html

Effort To Ban Taxpayer-Funded Educrat Lobbying Fails

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/03/22/effort-to-ban-taxpayer-funded-educrat-lobbying-fails/

Clemson condo project subsidized by taxpayers gets attention

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-04-01/Is_S_C_Poised_to_Enter_New_Incentives_Waters.aspx

Talbert Black: How Individual Legislators Can Make or Break Bills

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-03-30/How_Individual_Legislators_Can_Make_or_Break_Bills.aspx

How Opposition Fought Subsidies for Sembler

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-03-23/How_Opposition_Fought_Subsidies_for_Sembler.aspx

Golf Proviso: Lawmakers Mum on Details

http://thenerve.org/Comments/10-03-24/Golf_Proviso_Lawmakers_Mum_on_Details.aspx

Who Voted For The “Big Government Golf” Bill?

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/03/19/who-voted-for-the-big-government-golf-bill/

EDUCATION REFORM

State Education Board member writes on improving school performance

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100405/OPINION/304050005/1016/Phillip-Bowers-Increase-schools-performance-not-funding

OF INTEREST

Curtis Loftis pledges transparency in Treasurer’s office

http://www.theitem.com/news/article_f30daf0d-bde2-584b-a57c-57a9a2ecf4e7.html

Race for Annette Young’s seat gets into swing

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/31/full-race-for-house-98-seat/

Anne Hutto to be challenged by Republican

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/23/peter-mccoy-challenge-hutto/

Tommy Pope to challenge Herb Kirsh for SC House

http://www.heraldonline.com/2010/03/23/2037158/pope-says-yes-to-a-return-to-politics.html

Tim Scott: Emerging From The Field

http://www.fitsnews.com/2010/03/31/tim-scott-emerging-from-the-field/

Bill Text: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/prever/3047_20100324.htm

“You might think that with the state budget bleeding red ink and legislators having to furlough themselves to make ends meet, they would at least consider scaling back this sweetheart pension system, which cost taxpayers $2.5 million last year. To the contrary, the silence has been deafening.” – The State’s Cindi Scoppe, highlighting the SC legislature’s overly generous pension system

“The next time a legislator uses ‘it’s an election year’ as an excuse for not doing heavy lifting during an ‘election year,’ point out that there’s an election every other year in South Carolina, so the politician is saying the General Assembly can’t tackle meaningful legislation half the time.” – Former Rock Hill Herald Editor Terry Plumb calling for better priorities in the legislature

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

SC Club for Growth stands with Taxpayers Association, Coastal Conservation League and SC Policy Council to oppose Sembler handout

Governor’s op-ed highlights the problems with Sembler’s “Okatie Crossing” demands…

…as Lowcountry retailers and economists portend possible reshuffling of jobs

…and Senator Tom Davis says “Sembler Attorneys Tried to Hire Me”

Terry Plumb points out misguided legislative priorities

Scoppe editorializes against legislators’ massive pension perks

Post and Courier advocates for restructuring, Sec. of State becoming appointed position

STATE BUDGET

House passes budget after all night debate…

… with thirty cent cigarette tax hike…

… a loan to attract low cost air carriers…

… and loan to private, Heritage golf tournament

…Post and Courier editorializes against using taxpayer loan to rescue Heritage golf tourney

…while Scoppe challenges legislators to face hard realities

…and  DDSN plans to cut services, yet spends millions on property, computer systems

…and The State laments lack of serious restructuring, cost-savings in House budget

COMMON-SENSE, GOOD GOVERNMENT

The State says ESC bills have too much legislative meddling…

…as ESC loans could total $2.5 billion, plan to pay back being discussed

Newspapers editorialize on the importance of transparency
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100314/ARTICLES/3141022/1128/OPINION?Title=It-s-for-all-of-us
http://www.aikenstandard.com/Editorial/0315-editorial2010-03-15T05-00-11
http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2010/03/15/opinion/edit/doc4b9b033fc36ec395671681.txt

House passes bill to end corporate income tax

EDUCATION REFORM

Rep. Nikki Haley successful in pushing amendment to increase school funds going to classrooms

OF INTEREST

Senator Shane Massey ends Congressional bid

Mitt Romney backs Representative Nikki Haley for governor
http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/03/romney_wades_in.php
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03/16/romney-wades-into-contest-gop-primary-in-south-carolina/?fbid=lVBi9GEaKir

Lt. Governor’s Office Awards No-Bid TV/Film Work…

…while firm with ties to Miles, Bauer closes

McConnell Seeks End Around on Patriots Point

“Some argue that we should not criticize members of either political party – especially Republicans. Fortunately,  there is hope outside of the political parties. S.C. Club for Growth represents a “special interest group” that has too often been taken for granted in Columbia – South Carolina’s taxpayers…” – SC Club for Growth Executive Director’s OpEd in The Sun News

“(Sembler) says he won’t build the project if he doesn’t get incentives. Taxpayers should be wary of an investor who cannot raise his own capital to build his project, and who isn’t willing to address environmental concerns unless he’s plied with public money. Other businesses in the area have invested their hard-earned dollars in their companies, and have abided by state and local environmental standards without public compensation. Now they will be forced to pay the cost of a competing company that has done neither…” – SCPC’s Ashley Landess and CCL’s Dana Beach railing against the Sembler handout

“South Carolina lawmakers have only just begun the work needed to get the state’s unemployment agency on sound financial footing. The state is looking down a $2 billion hole to pay back loans from the federal government and get the unemployment trust fund back to a fiscally responsible level. That’s quite an abyss, but the Senate and House took an important first step this month in passing bills to create a Department of Workforce, a Cabinet-level agency, whose director would report to the governor, to replace the Employment Security Commission. Direct accountability has been sorely missing for this agency…” – The Beaufort Gazette calling for continued diligence at the ESC

FEATURES OF THE WEEK

SC Club for Growth Executive Director’s OpEd in The Sun News – “Hold politicians accountable”:
http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/02/20/1325764/exposing-graft-waste.html

…and SC Club for Growth PAC ad appears in The Aiken Standard – “Fed Up with Out of Touch Politicians?”
http://www.scclubforgrowth.org/files/SCCFG-AikenStandard.pdf

Ill-advised Sembler incentives get special order in Senate
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/26/1175591/malls-100-million-tax-break-fast.html
http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/02/25/1152281/senate-votes-to-fast-track-bill.html

…as Ashley Landess and Dana Beach rail against the handout
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/23/1170959/landess-beach-sembler-subsidy.html

State Senate votes for ESC reform, restructuring
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/25/1173738/senate-passes-esc-overhaul.html
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20100225/BUSINESS/2250316/State-Senate-drops-troubled-jobless-agency-in-governor-s-lap
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/feb/25/esc-reform-pending/

…Beaufort Gazette calls for continued diligence at the ESC

http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/02/28/1153639/agency-reform-one-step-in-sc-unemployment.html

Herald Journal applauds Secretary of State restructuring bill
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100228/ARTICLES/2281012/1128/OPINION?Title=A-sensible-change

COMMON-SENSE, GOOD GOVERNMENT

Island-Packet says DHEC should be put in governor’s cabinet
http://www.islandpacket.com/opinion/story/1139048.html

…as agency under fire over discarded documents
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/27/1177305/discarded-dhec-documents-raise.html

SC Dems critical of Ways & Means budget process
http://www.thestate.com/2010/03/01/1180608/democrats-want-new-budget-process.html
http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2010/03/01/news/doc4b8b47e05a25e079226861.txt

EDUCATION REFORM

Post & Courier urges lawmakers to keep up the momentum on charter schools
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/01/maintain-charter-momentum/

Scoppe urges legislators to uphold Governor’s veto of Fairfield schools bill
http://www.thestate.com/2010/02/28/1176875/scoppe-the-wrong-way-to-fix-fairfield.html

OF INTEREST

Anne Peterson Hutto gets a Republican challenger
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/feb/23/mccoy-runs-for-house/

Anti-Reform Annette Young to be challenged in primary
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/feb/22/hargetts-primary-challenge-of-young-drawing/