Update – Special Session – October 27 and 28, 2009

The House met on October 27 and 28 for two days in a special session that was called during the week before by the Speaker on short notice to address a technical problem in state law so that South Carolina can receive an extension of unemployment benefits from Federal funds. Although making the state eligible for these funds is important, fixing this problem does not address the two larger issues facing the state and taxpayers as to the Employment Security Commission. One is restructuring the Commission and redefining how unemployment benefits are distributed in South Carolina. The other is paying back the unemployment trust fund which has been depleted from a surplus of $800 million in 2000. These issues will be at the forefront of the 2010 General Assembly.

Additionally during the two day special session, the House and the Senate voted unanimously and Governor Sanford signed legislation granting incentives to Boeing to build its new assembly line in the Charleston area instead of Seattle, Washington. The Governor and legislative leaders say that this investment is a great win for South Carolina because much like BMW’s investment back in 1992 near Greenville, Boeing’s investment should bring thousands of jobs to the state both directly and indirectly. I hope that this investment will have a positive impact on us here in Aiken County. It is encouraging to see both the legislature and the Governor working together on this project.

Finally, a resolution to impeach Governor Sanford was introduced but the Speaker ruled that it was out of order and cannot be introduced until January 2010 when the regular session begins.

If you need me or have a particular concern, please contact me. Thank you for your interest and the opportunity for me to serve our District.

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