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/
LEGISLATURE
Budget passes Senate Finance
http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/apr/17/full_senate_gets_billion_budget79033/
…as vote on Davis, Ryberg alternative denied
http://kevinbryant.com/2009/04/17/ryberg-budget-vote-denied/
The State urges lawmakers to pass tax reform
http://www.thestate.com/opinion/story/755325.html
McMaster says teen’s stimulus lawsuit flawed, premature
http://www.thestate.com/breaking/story/756700.html
EDUCATION REFORM
School choice set for renewed push
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/756100.html
Senator Bryant: Critics ignore success of choice
http://www.thestate.com/editorial-columns/story/748352.html
Online charter schools a big hit
http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/apr/16/online_charter_schools_big_hit78880/
Clemson administrative raises concern faculty
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/750110.html (AP)