Last week, the Senate Republican Caucus pushed for conservative reforms to create a more efficient and accountable government.
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.