Legislative Update for the week of 1/30/12 – 2/3/12

I hope everyone had a good week. Last week was pretty slow legislation-wise (that’s not always a bad thing), but I was busy with several tasks. Here are the highlights –

INSPECTOR GENERAL – On Thursday, Governor Haley signed into law a bill that establishes an Inspector General. Many states have Inspectors General to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The creation of an Inspector General is a huge win for open and honest government and a big step toward our goal of shaking up the status quo. I was a cosponsor of the bill, and I chaired the subcommittee that helped push the bill through the Senate. Here is an article from The State, discussing the legislation. You can read the new law here.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION – The Senate continued to debate a bill that would abolish the Budget and Control Board and create a new Department of Administration. Although I think we’re making progress, that progress is painfully slow. I hope to have good news to report next week.
HOME-BASED FOODS LEGISLATION – Did you know that it is illegal to sell a cake that you bake in your home? Last year I heard from several folks in our Senate district who asked me to sponsor legislation to allow for the sale of home-based foods. After talking with DHEC and researching laws in other states, I introduced S.1035 to do just that. The bill has passed a subcommittee and, this past week, the Senate’s Medical Affairs Committee. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can read a couple articles about the bill here and here. You can also view a local TV news story here. You can read the bill here.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING – Last Monday night I attended Edgefield County’s annual intergovernmental meeting. This meeting, hosted by County Council, brings together all sectors of government in Edgefield County (towns, county, school district, state legislative delegation, water and sewer, transportation, etc.) to keep everyone informed about what different areas of government are doing. It’s a great idea that I wish other counties would replicate. Edgefield County is doing great things! You can read Edgefielddaily.com’s write-up about the meeting here.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY CAREER FAIR – On Wednesday morning, I participated in a career fair for 8th grade students at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton and Merriwether Middle Schools. I have done this for several years in Edgefield and Aiken Counties, and I have enjoyed it each time. I am always impressed by the curiosity, initiative, and common sense that our students show. If these 8th graders are an indication of South Carolina’s future, there are great things to come!
FUNERAL FOR MASTER CORPORAL SANDY ROGERS – I attended the memorial service for Aiken Public Safety Officer Sandy Rogers on Wednesday afternoon. Several thousand people attended the ceremony at USCA’s Convocation Center or lined the streets along the procession route. It was a tremendous show of support by the Aiken community to thank Sandy – and all law enforcement officers – for their dedicated service to keep us all safe and free. God bless you, Sandy.
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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.
FEEDBACK FROM LAST WEEK’S UPDATE – Last week I asked for your thoughts about how South Carolina should use projected surplus revenue if those projections hold true, and I received a good bit of feedback. I really appreciate your input!
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