Here are the highlights from last week at the Statehouse –
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