Shane Massey for State Senate

Proposed bill would help even out competition among health insurers

South Carolinians covered by companies other than Blue Cross Blue Shield could see lower health insurance premiums if a proposed bill is signed into state law.

Senate Bill 145 is attempting to even the playing field among competing companies in a state that is dominated by one health insurer.

The next largest company in South Carolina, United Healthcare, claims less than 10 percent of the market share, according to the S.C. Department of Insurance.

The new bill would prohibit insurance companies from writing clauses into their contracts with health care providers that obligate doctors and hospitals to charge lower rates for patients insured by that company and equal or even higher rates for patients insured by the competition.

The Post and Courier first reported in 2011 that these clauses, known as “most-favored-nation” clauses, are being investigated by the federal government as potentially anti-competitive.

The proposed bill will be taken up for discussion in the Senate Banking and Insurance subcommittee today — the first step toward a vote by the full General Assembly.

But even Sen. Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, the bill’s sponsor, admits it’s a longshot because Blue Cross Blue Shield has “a pretty significant lobbying arm.”

“The goal is really to make the private health insurance market more competitive,” he said. “With competition, you’ll get lower prices and better service for consumers.”

Patti Embry-Tauten, a spokeswoman for Blue Cross Blue Shield, said the company is communicating its position on the bill to the Legislature that most-favored-nation clauses are “an appropriate and legal tool.”

Embry-Tauten said the company’s contracts with health care providers are confidential, but “the majority of our hospital contracts do not contain (most-favored-nation) agreements.”

Frank Knapp, president of the S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce, said his organization supports the legislation but cannot predict its fate.

“This is the long-awaited first step,” Knapp said. “We will have a better sense of (the bill’s future) after (today).”

Courtesy of The Post and Courier

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR THE WEEK OF 3/12/13 – 3/14/13

Here are the highlights from week 10 in the Senate –

SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION – ELECTED OR APPOINTED? – The Senate debated and voted on S. 53, a resolution that would allow for the Governor to appoint the state Superintendent of Education rather than having the Superintendent elected every 4 years.  Since this proposal would require an amendment to the state Constitution, 2/3 of Senators and Representatives must support it.  In the Senate, that requires 31 votes.  Unfortunately, the Senate vote was 27-16; I voted for it.  We will probably take another shot at it in a few weeks, but it will be tough to switch a few votes.  The status quo puts up a good fight, folks.

EARLY VOTING – The Senate debated S. 4, a bill that would allow up to 8 days of no excuse, early voting for statewide primaries and general elections.  I expect the Senate will vote on the bill this week.  I plan to support the bill.

MCCORMICK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD – Because of resignations, there are currently 2 vacancies on the McCormick County School Board.  The law, which is unique to McCormick, says the McCormick County Council should recommend replacements to the Governor.  Since the School Board manages a budget of over $10 million annually, I think voters should decide the replacements.  Therefore, Sen. Floyd Nicholson and I introduced S. 517  last week to require a special election to fill the vacancies.  I’ll keep you updated.

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY OF FIREARMS – S. 115, the “Constitutional Carry Act,” would allow individuals to carry handguns – concealed or unconcealed – without first having to obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit.  It would also allow individuals to carry weapons in all public buildings.  Public hearings have been held in Charleston and Rock Hill, and additional meetings are planned for Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia.  The bill is a long way from having a vote, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

2013-2014 BUDGET – The House of Representatives debated and passed the budget last week.  The budget will now go through the committee process in the Senate and should be up for debate by the full Senate in late April.  Stay tuned.

SENATE FURLOUGH – The Senate will furlough during the weeks of March 25-29 and April 1-5.  Therefore, when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, March 21, we will not meet again until Tuesday, April 9.

Last Week’s Meetings

On Monday night, I held a town hall meeting at the Circle Fire Department in Saluda County.

On Tuesday morning, I attended the Lexington Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast.  The meeting focused on whether SC should expand Medicaid pursuant to the Affordable Care Act.

On Tuesday morning, I met with Leadership Aiken County.  We’re facing tough challenges, and now is the time for leaders to step forward.  I really appreciate the talent Aiken County has to offer!

On Thursday afternoon, I spoke to the SC Chamber of Commerce’s legislative committee.  The legislative committee consists of some of the top business leadership in the state, and I really enjoyed the conversation.

On Thursday night, I held a town hall meeting in Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick.  We had a nice crowd of around 25-30 people and a good discussion of issues facing South Carolina.

On Friday afternoon, I spoke with 4th graders at Lake Murray Elementary School and then a class at Lexington High School about state government.  The students were very well-informed, and they asked tough questions.  It was a lot of fun!

Constituent Interests

TOWN ALL MEETINGS – I have held over 75 town hall meetings throughout our district over the past 5 years, and I really appreciate the hundreds of folks who have participated.  These town hall meetings give me a chance to keep you updated about what’s going on in Columbia and, more importantly, allow me to hear what’s on your mind.

HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL – The statewide regional high school mock trial competitions were held this past weekend.  Several schools from our Senate district competed.  Lexington High School and Strom Thurmond High School were among the top 12 teams advancing to the state competition to be held on March 8 and 9 in Lexington.

I’ve held 3 meetings so far this year.  Here’s the schedule for the remaining meetings –

Monday, 3/18/13
Lexington High School cafeteria
Lexington, SC
6:00-7:30

Tuesday, 3/19/13
Ward Community Center
Ward, SC
6:30-8:00

Monday, 3/25/13
Midland Valley High School auditorium
Graniteville, SC
6:00-7:30

Tuesday, 3/26/13
Gilbert High School Theatre
Gilbert, SC
6:00-7:30

Thursday, 3/28/13
Merriwether Middle School cafeteria
North Augusta, SC
6:00-7:30

Tuesday, 4/2/13
Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria
Bath, SC
6:00-7:30

OUR SENATE DISTRICT – Senate district 25 consists of all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the 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 atwww.senatormassey.com.

Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Massey, Young eye early voting

Local S.C. Senators Shane Massey and Tom Young are offering support to a proposal that would give South Carolinians a chance to vote before election day without having to cast an absentee ballot.

The proposal is intended to offer more flexibility to voters by allowing them to cast a ballot during a seven-day period before an election without having to list any excuse associated with voting absentee.

Currently, S.C. voters can cast a ballot up to 30 days before an election, but only by voting absentee and listing one of a variety of excuses to explain why they aren’t able to go to the polls on election day.

Massey and Young, both Republicans, joined 32 other S.C. Senators last week in support of a second reading of a bill establishing early voting procedures.

Massey noted that he’s been an advocate of early voting since he arrived in the senate.
“It’s a convenience factor,” he said, explaining the bill would create early voting starting 10 days before and ending three days prior to an election. No voting would be allowed on Sundays.

Massey added that because the state of Georgia allows early voting, confusion sometimes exists about when a ballot can actually be cast in the days leading up to an election among voters in border counties like Aiken.

“On television, you’ll see people standing in line four or five days ahead of the election and then we’ll have people in Aiken trying to go vote because they see it on TV,” he said, noting Georgia’s voting laws. “Then they realize we don’t have early voting.”

He believes third and final reading of the bill will take place sometime this week, likely during Wednesday’s session.

“Usually, if there’s going to be a fight on something it’s on second reading. So third reading is typically a formality, but that’s not always the way it is.”

Young was more cautious in his support of the bill, explaining there are concerns among Republican Party members about the length of the proposed early voting period.

“I think it’s a worthy idea. We just have to have a comfort level with the amount of time that the polls are going to be opened before Election Day,” he said, adding some party members would like to see a shortened time frame.

If approved on third reading by the Senate, the bill would move to the S.C. House of Representatives for consideration.

Michael Bond, deputy director of Aiken County Registration and Elections, said he believes implementing early voting would drive more people to the polls. He noted while the requirement to list an excuse to vote absentee is essentially based on the honor system, a downside is that every ballot must be sent through the mail, possibly delaying delivery.

S.C. Election Commission Spokesman Chris Whitmire said absentee voting actually doubled last year, indicating voters are using it as a “de-facto” early voting period.

By implementing early voting, he added, election officials wouldn’t have to deal as often with the at times “cumbersome” absentee ballot process.

“They could just look at the registration list and allow them to vote,” he said.

Courtesy of Aiken Standard

Legislative Update for the Week 5/7/12 – 5/11/12

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR THE WEEK 5/7/12 – 5/11/12

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).

 

Paid for by Shane Massey for Senate 

Fourth Week of Session

Senator Massey speaks of the touching funeral service for Aiken police Master Cpl. Sandra Rogers and encourages showing appreciation for law enforcement. He also updates us on what is happening in the South Carolina Senate and what to expect in the next couple of weeks.