Here are the highlights from last week at the Statehouse -

CANDIDATES FOR 2012 ELECTIONS – Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court ruled that more than 100 candidates for various offices statewide were disqualified because they failed to file a Statement of Economic Interests as required by law.  The Senate spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday working to come up with a solution that would allow these disqualified candidates to run in the June 12 primaries.  Although it might seem like a simple problem to fix, the truth is we were caught between our State Constitution, federal law, and a very small timeframe. There was also a real fear that whatever we passed would have made the problem even worse.

In the end, nothing happened.  A vote to suspend the Senate’s rules and consider a potential solution failed when it did not receive the necessary 2/3 vote.  As one of the 4-5 senators who could personally benefit from the vote (my opponent was disqualified), I chose to recuse myself and did not vote.   However, as I said in last week’s update, I continue to believe that candidates who made a good faith attempt to comply with the law should be allowed to run for office.

STATE BUDGET – The Senate Finance Committee finished its work on the state budget last week and passed it out to the full Senate.  I expect the full Senate will begin debate this week.

The Board of Economic Advisers added an additional $292 million in projected revenue to the budget.  That’s good news because the additional revenue is evidence that our state economy continues to improve.  The bad news – from my perspective, at least – is that the General Assembly will very likely spend all the money.  Here’s anarticle about the “new” money. Expect some interesting fights on the budget this week!

SC RETIREMENT SYSTEM – There has been a good bit of media attention over the last several months about proposed changes to the state retirement system.  The House of Representatives passed a significant overhaul of the system in March.  A Senate committee passed a different version of the bill a couple weeks ago.  The Senate will probably take up this bill after finishing with the budget.  You can read anarticle about the proposed Senate version here.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

U.S. Fibers Expansion – Last week U.S. Fibers announced plans to invest $5.5 million into an expansion of its Trenton plant. The expansion is expected to create 48 new jobs! This announcement follows U.S. Fibers $10.1 million expansion in 2010 that generated 85 new jobs in Edgefield County. To read more about the expansion, gohere.

MICHELIN EXPANSION – Michelin recently announced plans to invest $750 million to build a new plant in Anderson and expand its existing plant in Lexington.  The investment is expected to create 500 new jobs, more than half of which will be at the Lexington plant.  You can read a couple articles about the new investment here and here.

BRIDGESTONE HIRING – The Bridgestone plant in Graniteville announced a significant expansion last Fall.  They are now hiring for the new positions.  For information on how to apply, go here.

Brasfield & Gorrie, the contractor for the new Bridgestone plant, is accepting applications for:

• Carpenter-must have own hand tools. Industrial Construction and concrete experience preferred. 5yrs experience preferred
• Laborer-Industrial construction and concrete experience preferred. Must be able to lift up to 70lbs and work in all types of weather. 2 yrs experience preferred.

Applications will be taken at the job site trailer at 436 Old Vaucluse Road on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-3pm and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm. Preemployment drug screen required as are Safety Toe Boots

MTU EXPANSION – Tognum America announced recently that it will expand its Graniteville MTU plant.  Here’s a press release from the department of Commerce.

If you know of a business that is hiring, please let me know.  I’d love to include that information in the next newsletter so we can get the word out.

LAST WEEK’S MEETINGS

On Monday morning, I spoke to two government classes at Lexington High School.  The students pay close attention to issues facing South Carolina, and they asked some great questions.  I really enjoyed the visit!

On Monday night, I attended Lexington Town Council’s monthly meeting.  Council invited me to attend the unveiling of their Vision Plan for Lexington.  It’s difficult to improve without a vision of where you want to go and how you plan to get there.  I applaud Lexington’s Town Council for this significant step!

On Tuesday morning, I attending Lexington Chamber of Commerce’s First Tuesday breakfast.  There were probably 100 people at the breakfast, and we learned about the United Way’s significant influence in the Midlands.

On Tuesday morning, I visited Gilbert Primary School, Gilbert Elementary School, Gilbert Middle School, and Gilbert High School for Teacher Appreciation Week.  I enjoyed meeting new people and was glad to have the opportunity to say “thank you” to many of our teachers.

On Tuesday night, I attended the Lexington County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual banquet.  The District’s Commissioners awarded several scholarships and prizes to local high school students.

On Wednesday morning, I attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for First Citizens Bank in Edgefield.  There was a great turnout!  I’m glad they’re here!

On Wednesday afternoon, I attended a lunch recognizing South Carolina’s firefighters.  Several fire departments from our Senate district were represented.  I had a good time catching up with some of our local heroes.  Thanks to all our firefighters and emergency rescue personnel!

On Wednesday night, I held a town hall meeting at Lexington High School. This was my 12th town hall meeting of the Spring.

On Thursday I visited Byrd Elementary School, Gloverville Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Clearwater Elementary School, Merriwether Elementary School, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School, LBC Middle School, Merriwether Middle School, Midland Valley High School, and Fox Creek High School to say “thank you” to our teachers for Teacher Appreciate Week.

On Thursday night, I held a town hall meeting at Gilbert High School.  We had a good crowd and a great discussion about the issues facing South Carolina.

On Friday I rounded out my Teacher Appreciation Week tour by stopping by W.E. Parker Elementary School, Johnston Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School, JET Middle School, Strom Thurmond High School, and Wardlaw Academy.  Our teachers do a great job!

Constituent Interests

TOWN HALL MEETINGS – I have held 13 town hall meetings so far this Spring.  I hope to have a couple more before the legislative session ends.  I’ll keep you updated as we get them scheduled.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FILING IS OPEN – Persons who were at least 65 years of age, blind, or 100% disabled as of December 31, 2011, are entitled to a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 in appraised value on their residence.  However, in order to get the tax exemption, the person must apply with the county auditor. Auditors are now accepting applications for the 2012 tax year.  Contact your county auditor with questions.

SENATE DISTRICT 25 – Our Senate district has changed because of the 2010 census.  The district now contains all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the new district map, go here.

VOTING RECORD – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here. You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

SPEAKING WITH GROUPS – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.

EMAIL UPDATES – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane Massey

P.O. Box 551

Edgefield, SC 29824

Email – shaneforesenate@yahoo.com

Cell Phone – (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook www.facebook.com/shanemassey.sc and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

• colleges and universities could sponsor charter schools.  Now, only local school districts or the statewide charter school district can sponsor charter schools.
• single-gender charter schools could be created.
• charter school students could compete for and participate in extracurricular activities at their resident public school if the charter school does not offer those activities.

Economic Development and Job Opportunities

Carpenter-must have own hand tools. Industrial Construction and concrete experience preferred. 5yrs experience preferred.
Laborer-Industrial construction and concrete experience preferred. Must be able to lift up to 70lbs and work in all types of weather. 2 yrs experience preferred.

Last Week’s Meetings

Constituent Interests

The S.C. General Assembly has approved an extensive charter school measure – now awaiting only Gov. Nikki Haley’s signature – that in part will allow charter school students to participate in extracurricular activities at a traditional public school nearest their attendance zone.

Aiken County has three charter schools – only one of them a high school, the Aiken Performing Arts Academy. The new regulations also will include virtual education students who participate in the state’s virtual charter school program, said J.W. Ragley, spokesman for the S.C. Department of Education.

Source: Aiken Standard

First of note is the Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities bill, which
allows home school, Governor’s School, and charter school students the
opportunities to play sports if they are not offered at the school they
attend. All parents are taxpayers into the public school system, so we
believe it makes sense that their children would be able to afford
themselves of the same athletics opportunities offered in traditional public
schools.

Second, we passed a DUI Interlock Ignition Bill, something aimed at keeping
our roads safe from drunk drivers. The bill strengthens our DUI laws and
provides the option of giving first time offenders an ignition interlock
device installed in their vehicles. We believe this will have a significant
impact on reducing DUIs in our state.

Third, the Senate moved forward with a critical piece of economic
development legislation for our state, the Port Bond Bill. This bill
authorizes the State Ports Authority to issue $120 million in bonds for the
dredging of the Charleston Harbor. The bonds will only be issued if the
federal government does not provide their share of funding. Jobs in every
county of South Carolina and across the southeast depend on the Port of
Charleston. This dredging must be done to ensure the economic success of
South Carolina for the coming years.

Fourth, we passed a Streamlining Commission bill, part of our Fiscal Fitness
agenda. The Joint Resolution establishes the Commission on Streamlining
Government and Reduction of Waste. The commission will take a top to bottom
look at state government, making recommendations for reducing its size,
scope and cost.

Fifth, we passed a school district choice bill. This will require each
school district to establish a school choice program and allow parents to
choose which school they would like for their child to attend.

Finally, the Senate passed an important reform, a step toward letting future
governors and lieutenant governors to run on a single ticket, rather than
being elected separately. After the House and Senate agree on this issue, it
will be up to voters for final approval.

Please continue to send us your thoughts and feedback on this legislation
and other bills. As always, the Senate GOP Caucus is working hard to advance
conservative reforms in our state.

Deepening of Charleston Harbor – The Port of Charleston is a huge economic engine for South Carolina, responsible for more than 20% of jobs in the state.  The Port is one of the busiest ports on the East Coast and is a big reason for our resurgence in manufacturing.

When a project to expand the Panama Canal is completed in 2014, larger “Panamax” ships will be using the Atlantic ports.  In order to accept those ships – and remain competitive for our industry – we must deepen the Charleston Harbor.  The deepening project is expected to cost approximately $300 million.

The federal government has approved the project and has agreed to pay 40% ($120 million) of the cost of deepening the Harbor, but it has failed to fund its commitment.  In its version of this year’s budget, the House of Representatives included $180 million to fund the state’s portion of the deepening.  Last week, the Senate passed S. 1431, which would allow for $120 million in bonds if the federal government does not follow through on its promise.  If passed by the House, this resolution will be a strong statement that South Carolina is determined to deepen the Charleston Harbor and be a real player in the competitive shipping market.

Governor/Lt. Governor on same ticket – Last Thursday the Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would require the Governor and Lt. Governor to run together as a team.  The Senate version would take effect with the 2018 election and require a candidate for Governor to select her running mate prior to being certified for the November ballot.  This process would be similar to the way Presidential candidates select their Vice Presidential running mates.  You can read the proposed language here.

The legislation will now go to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

“Tim Tebow” Bill – The Senate passed the “Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act” last week.  The bill would allow students who attend charter schools, the Governor’s school, or home school to participate in extracurricular activities at the students’ resident public school.  The bill is modeled after similar legislation in Florida that allowed Tim Tebow to play football at a public high school even though he attended home school.  The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.  You can read the bill here.

Public School Choice and Open Enrollment – The Senate gave second reading to a bill that would require public schools to implement school choice options within the public school system and allow for students to attend any public school they choose, regardless of their zoned district.  You can read the bill here.

Bills of Interest

SC Retirement System – There has been a good bit of media attention over the last several months about proposed changes to the state retirement system.  The House of Representatives passed a significant overhaul of the system in March.  A Senate subcommittee has been working on the bill for several weeks.  Here’s a brief article discussing the subcommittee’s work.

Economic Development and Job Opportunities

Boeing rolls out first 787 Dreamliner – South Carolina was on the front page of newspapers across the world last week when Boeing rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner from the North Charleston manufacturing plant.  Boeing already employs 6,000 people at the North Charleston site.  Here is one of those articles discussing the milestone.

SC leading the way in the “mini-nuclear” age – Two weeks I ago I mentioned that SCE&G is building two new nuclear reactors at its V.C. Summer power plant in Fairfield County.  A recent report indicates South Carolina – specifically, the Savannah River Site in Aiken County – could be at the forefront of new technology to develop mini nuclear reactors to supply energy across the globe.  You can read the article here.

SC soon to be tire capital of US – In the last several months, Continental Tire announced that it will build a new manufacturing plant in Sumter while Bridgestone and Michelin announced significant expansions of their existing facilities.  As a result, South Carolina has received a great deal of national attention for our tire manufacturers.  Here are a couple recent articles from The State and the Associated Press, talking about South Carolina’s manufacturing resurgence.

Michelin expansion – Michelin recently announced plans to invest $750 million to build a new plant in Anderson and expand its existing plant in Lexington.  The investment is expected to create 500 new jobs, more than half of which will be at the Lexington plant.  You can read a couple articles about the new investment here and here.

Bridgestone hiring – The Bridgestone plant in Graniteville announced a significant expansion last Fall.  They are now hiring for the new positions.  For information on how to apply, go here.

Brasfield & Gorrie, the contractor for the new Bridgestone plant, is accepting applications for:

• Carpenter – must have own hand tools. Industrial Construction and concrete experience preferred. 5yrs experience preferred.
• Laborer – Industrial construction and concrete experience preferred. Must be able to lift up to 70lbs and work in all types of weather. 2 yrs experience preferred.

Applications will be taken at the job site trailer at 436 Old Vaucluse Road on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-3pm and Thursdays from 4pm-6pm. Preemployment drug screen required as are Safety Toe Boots.

MTU expansion – Tognum America announced recently that it will expand its Graniteville MTU plant.  Here’s a press release from the department of Commerce.

If you know of a business that is hiring, please let me know.  I’d love to include that information in the next newsletter so we can get the word out.

Last Week’s Meetings

On Monday afternoon, I attended a candidate screening by the Central Carolina Realtors Association and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Columbia.  It was a great opportunity to meet with some of Lexington County’s leading real estate folks and answer their questions about my ideas and goals for another term in the Senate.

On Monday night, I attended the Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority’s monthly meeting.  Nearly 9,000 residential customers get water and/or sewer from the Authority.  The board and Administrator Richard Shaffer do a great job; I appreciate them inviting me to their meeting.

On Wednesday, I chaired a Labor, Commerce & Industry subcommittee that examined right to work/union legislation and various agency regulations.  Later that day I chaired a Judiciary subcommittee considering legislation dealing with class action lawsuits.

On Thursday morning, I attended the Edgefield County Interagency meeting at the Edgefield County Hospital.  The Interagency group comes together monthly to discuss the best ways to provide services to Edgefield County residents.  Thanks for asking me to come!

After the Senate finished business on Thursday afternoon, I attended a “Business After Hours” sponsored by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.  It was a great event, and I met a lot of new folks in our Senate district.

On Thursday night, I attended Saluda County’s GOP candidate forum. Our Senate district now includes approximately 40% of Saluda County (up from about 1/3 of the county).  I enjoyed listening to voters’ concerns and ideas while also answering their questions.  Thanks to everyone who came out!

On Friday afternoon/evening, WJBF News Channel 6 broadcasted live from Johnston as part of its “Your Hometown Tour.”  I stopped by to thank Brad Means, Jennie Montgomery, and George Myers for visiting Johnston.  During the 5:00 live broadcast, a car wreck caused a temporary distraction.  I was even drafted to direct traffic until the local police were able to take charge!  Here are some of the interviews WJBF conducted during the day.

On Friday night, I attended the Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet at Bobby’s BBQ in Graniteville.  MVHS senior Lauren Faircloth was selected as Student of the Year.  Former Chamber president Al McCay was chosen as Citizen of the Year.  Congratulations to Lauren and Al!

On Saturday afternoon, I dropped by the annual Relay for Life festivities at Strom Thurmond High School.  Despite the temperature of nearly 90 degrees (it’s April for crying out loud!), a great crowd came out to support cancer research.  It was a very good day.

On Saturday night, I attended Timmerman Performing Arts dance recital at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta.  Liz Jordan and her dance students presented a fantastic performance of Cinderella!

On Sunday afternoon, I stopped the “Hats Off to Sisterhood” benefit for breast cancer survivors.  This was a great follow-up to the Relay for Life event on Saturday.

Constituent Interests

Town Hall Meetings – I have held 10 town hall meetings so far this Spring, and I have three more scheduled.  Please come out if you get a chance.  These meetings are great opportunities for you to let me know how you feel about the issues and for me to keep you updated about what’s going on in Columbia.    Here are the upcoming meetings:

Wednesday, 5/2/12
McCormick County Council Chambers
610 South Mine Street
McCormick, SC
7:00-8:00

Wednesday, 5/9/12
Lexington High School
Cafeteria
2463 Augusta Highway
Lexington, SC
6:00-7:30

Thursday, 5/10/12
Gilbert High School
Theater
840 Main Street
Gilbert, SC
6:00-7:30

I’m trying to schedule more meetings.  I’ll keep you updated as we get them set.

Homestead exemption filing is open – Persons who were at least 65 years of age, blind, or 100% disabled as of December 31, 2011, are entitled to a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 in appraised value on their residence.  However, in order to get the tax exemption, the person must apply with the county auditor.  Auditors are now accepting applications for the 2012 tax year.  Contact your county auditor with questions.

New Senate District – Our Senate district has changed because of the 2010 census.  The district now contains all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the new district map, go here.

Voting Record – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here.  You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Speaking with Groups – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.

Email updates – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane Massey

The change is an unwelcome surprise for his community of nearly 600 residents in central Lexington County, he said, who for the past decade has been represented by well-known Republican Sen. Jake Knotts.

“We’re dealing with strangers,” Clamp said. “It’s a big shake-up.”

His town is one of many municipalities and neighborhoods in the Midlands who are living in a changed political landscape, as a new set of boundaries for congressional and legislative districts come into use for the next decade.

Gilbert sits in the middle of a triangular area between U.S. 378 and I-20, previously represented by Knotts, who lives near West Columbia.

But it’s the area where Knotts challenger Katrina Shealy had the greatest support in her first race against the veteran legislator in 2008.

So the area that includes Gilbert was moved elsewhere — at Knotts’ request.

The area now is in the eastern edge of a largely rural district stretching across Edgefield, McCormick, Aiken and Saluda counties.

And it is represented by Sen. Shane Massey, who lives 45 miles west in Edgefield.

He is running for re-election against another Republican equally unknown in Gilbert.

Getting familiar with central Lexington County is “almost like starting over and running that first campaign again,” said Massey, a lawyer first elected to the Senate in 2007.

He made headlines last year for railing against three state agencies that quietly racked up deficits without the General Assembly’s knowledge.

Massey now is in the middle of a fight to form a new Department of Administration — a move supporters say would save millions annually.

“Spending has always been a top issue for me and it will continue to be,” Massey said. “I’ve tried my best to change the way we do things and trying to move away from the status quo.”

Those themes are similar to ones sounded by Knotts, although the pair often differ on details.

Knotts also is known for careful attention to requests for help with problems.

“We’ve known him forever,” said Raymond Boozer, a former leader of the 54-year-old county Peach Festival held each 4th of July.

Signs promoting Knotts and Shealy festoon the Gilbert area even though no one there can vote for either.

“Many of us just assumed we were still in that district,” Boozer said.

New ball game

The discovery of the change affecting Gilbert is one of several rippling across the Midlands as June’s primary ballot approaches.

Besides changes in several State Senate districts, the borders of the area’s pair of U.S. House districts are somewhat different.

The 6th District represented by U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn has expanded into new parts of Richland County while the area in the 2nd District represented by U.S. Joe Wilson has shrunk.

Rebecca Munnerlyn, former president of the Rosewood Community Council, said she was not aware that the neighborhood on the south edge of Columbia now has a new congressman.

It is now in Clyburn’s district instead of Wilson’s.

“I was aware of the whole redistricting process going on, but I didn’t know the change affected Rosewood,” Munnerlyn said.

She doubts the switch will cause problems.

“I guess we just need to make sure the awareness is out there and Rosewood neighbors know about the change and get out and vote,” Munnerlyn said.

Clyburn, a Columbia Democrat and U.S. House leader, is running unopposed. Wilson, R-Springdale, has primary opposition but no Democrat awaiting in the fall ballot.

Changes affecting Midlands districts for the S.C. House are minor compared to the S.C. Senate.

Major population growth and shifts in the past decade – including significant growth in Charlotte suburbs and along the coast – meant several more counties and precincts than usual are split.

In addition, remapping is always political, as incumbents seek to design districts favorable to themselves.

Challenges by some Democrats to remapping changes settled on by the Republican-controlled Legislature failed, and the changes won the approval of U.S. Justice officials.

A blessing?

Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre can sympathize with his counterparts in Gilbert, 12 miles west of his town.

His four-mile drive from home to his job at the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce takes him through three State Senate districts dividing the community of 18,000 residents.

Town Hall is just inside the district that Massey represents while county offices across the street are in the one where Knotts is the incumbent.

Massey is visiting the town to start building relationships as he awaits the ballot showdown with primary election challenger John Pettigrew from the Aiken area.

The fragmentation of Lexington may confuse and anger some residents but it’s beneficial for the community overall, Halfacre said.

“Politics is a numbers game where the more people on your side, the better,” he said. “Having three on your side is better than one.”

Source: The State

SC’s unemployment rate drops – Recent numbers indicate South Carolina’s unemployment rate has fallen below 9% for the first time since 2008.  Even better, according to this article, South Carolina’s economy is now the 2nd strongest in the Southeast.

Our expanding manufacturing base is a big reason for the encouraging news.

State budget update – The Board of Economic Advisers met last week and reviewed tax collections for this year.  For the fiscal year (June – July), tax revenues are $208 million (5%) more than collections at this time last year.  The increased revenue is evidence of a slow but steady economic rebound.

The Senate will take up the state budget in early May.  I expect a big fight on the Senate floor as to whether we should spend all the “new” money.

Interstate Healthcare Compact – The Senate passed legislation that would allow South Carolina to have more say over healthcare decisions.  If approved by Congress, this bill would allow member states to work together for a better and more efficient healthcare system in those states.  You can read an article about the bill here.

Governor/Lt. Governor on same ticket? – The Senate began debate last week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would require the Governor and Lt. Governor to run together on a ticket.  Similar to the process whereby we select a President and Vice President, candidates for Governor would select running mates and campaign as a team.  Here’s a copy of the bill.

I’m interested in your input:  should the Governor and Lt. Governor run together, or should we continue to elect them separately?

Public School Choice and Open Enrollment – The Senate began debate last week on a bill that would require public schools to implement school choice options within the public school system and allow for students to attend any public school they choose, regardless of their zoned district.  You can read the bill here.  Also, here’s a short article with more information on the bill.

Texting while driving – Last week I served on a subcommittee that considered a ban on texting while driving.  Although the House has passed a ban several times, the bill has been stuck in the Senate for more than a year.  In an effort to get the bill moving, our subcommittee narrowed the scope so as to prohibit minors from texting while driving and prohibit all drivers from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving through school zones or work zones.  The bill now goes to the full Senate Judiciary Committee.  Here’s a story and video on the subcommittee meeting.

Bills of Interest

SC Retirement System – There has been a good bit of media attention over the last several months about proposed changes to the state retirement system.  The House of Representatives passed a significant overhaul of the system last month.  A Senate subcommittee has been working on the bill for several weeks.  Here is an article discussing potential changes.  Here’s a different article that analyzes the TERI system.

I expect the Senate will take up this legislation very soon.  Stay tuned.

Open Carry of Firearms – I’ve received a lot of comments over the past week about a recently introduced bill that would allow individuals to carry weapons without a permit.  Currently, South Carolinians can carry concealed weapons with a permit.  This bill would eliminate the need for a permit and it would remove the requirement for individuals to keep their weapons concealed.  You can also read the bill here.  I appreciate your input!

Economic Development and Job Opportunities

SC soon to be tire capital of US – In the last several months, Continental Tire announced that it will build a new manufacturing plant in Sumter while Bridgestone and Michelin announced significant expansions of their existing facilities.  As a result, South Carolina has received a great deal of national attention for our tire manufacturers.  Here are a couple recent articles from The State and the Associated Press, talking about South Carolina’s manufacturing resurgence.

Michelin expansion – Michelin recently announced plans to invest $750 million to build a new plant in Anderson and expand its existing plant in Lexington.  The investment is expected to create 500 new jobs, more than half of which will be at the Lexington plant.  You can read a couple articles about the new investment here and here.

Bridgestone hiring – The Bridgestone plant in Graniteville announced a significant expansion last Fall.  They are now hiring for the new positions.  For information on how to apply, go here.  Additionally, Bridgestone is now hiring machine technicians.  To read an article about this specific job, go here.

MTU expansion – Tognum America announced recently that it will expand its Graniteville MTU plant.  Here’s a press release from the department of Commerce.

If you know of a business that is hiring, please let me know.  I’d love to include that information in the next newsletter so we can get the word out.

Last Week’s Meetings

On Monday night, I attended a joint meeting held by the Edgefield County Republican Party and the Edgefield County Republican Women.  State GOP Chairman Chad Connelly was the guest speaker.  It was a great meeting with a good turnout.

On Tuesday morning, I stopped by the PowerUP Lunch, sponsored by the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and several Lexington area churches.  I wish I could have stayed for the whole lunch, but I had to get back to the statehouse for a vote!

On Tuesday night, I attended a membership meeting for the Aiken Electric Cooperative.  Aiken Electric is a great community partner for Aiken and Edgefield Counties!

On Wednesday morning, I had breakfast with the Lexington Dawnbusters breakfast club.  This is a great group of Lexington conservatives.  I really enjoyed the conversation!

On Thursday night, I attended Lexington One’s Teacher of the Year Celebration.  It was a great program, and I was extremely impressed with the Teacher of the Year candidates.  We have some very creative and talented teachers, and we need to do a much better job of marketing them.

On Friday afternoon, I participated in the Aiken Board of Realtors candidate forum lunch.  Congressman Joe Wilson was the keynote speaker, and candidates for several offices answered questions.  I appreciate the Realtors for hosting the event!

On Friday afternoon, I attended a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Dorn Grist Mill in McCormick.  The McCormick County Historical Society has done a great job rehabilitating the old mill.  I encourage you to stop by and take a tour!

On Saturday, I attended the unveiling of an historical marker for Leavelle McCampbell School in Graniteville.  2012 is the school’s 90th anniversary.  There was a big turnout for this great day in Graniteville.

Constituent Interests

Redistricting article – Sunday’s edition of The State included an article on the newly redistricted House and Senate lines.  The article focused on our Senate district.  Go here to read the article.

STHS mock trial team – A few weeks ago I mentioned that Strom Thurmond High School’s mock trial won the state championship.  The team is scheduled to participate in the national tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 4 and 5.  This past week, WRDW-TV did a story on the team.  You can read the article and see the video here.

Homestead exemption filing is open – Persons who were at least 65 years of age, blind, or 100% disabled as of December 31, 2011, are entitled to a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 in appraised value on their residence.  However, in order to get the tax exemption, the person must apply with the county auditor.  Auditors are now accepting applications for the 2012 tax year.  Contact your county auditor with questions.

Town Hall Meetings – I have held 10 town hall meetings this Spring, and I’m trying to schedule a few more.  I’ll keep you updated as we get them set.

New Senate District – Our Senate district has changed because of the 2010 census.  The district now contains all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the new district map, go here.

Voting Record – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here.  You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Speaking with Groups – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.

Email updates – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane Massey

The “born alive” bill would grant full legal protections to any newly born baby as soon as it is outside the mother’s body. In particular, it is aimed at protecting babies that are born alive after a failed abortion attempt.

“The first and most important right is the right to life,” said Senator Chip Campsen, the lead sponsor of the bill. “We have heard too many stories from around the nation about botched abortions and the aftermath. This bill will make sure innocent life is protected in our state.”

“This has been a long fight, for simple legislation that should have been common sense,” said Senator Lee Bright. “Once a baby is outside the mother’s body, this bill will make absolutely sure they enjoy the full legal protection of anyone else.”

“Protecting these vulnerable infants is a huge step in the right direction,” said Senator Shane Massey. “As conservatives, we believe innocent life must be defended.”