Bill Sandifer Update

Hello from Columbia!

My colleagues and I in the South Carolina General Assembly “hit the ground running” last week as we began the 2008 legislative session. Without a doubt, the next few months will be an exciting and productive time as we make new laws that will set the direction for our great state. To give you a preview of key issues, I have prepared this legislative look ahead.

It’s truly a privilege to represent you here at our state’s capital. I would love to hear from you this session to know where you stand on the issues. You can reach me by email anytime at bill@sandifer.us or by calling my 24-hour message service at 864.885.2240. You can also visit my website anytime to stay in touch with what’s happening in the General Assembly.

As always, my priority is providing you with the best possible representation and service. If I can ever assist you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Warmest regards,

Rep. Bill Sandifer

Legislative Preview: 2008 Session Begins

Many issues that are vitally important to the future of our state will be decided in the 2008 session of the S.C. General Assembly, including many that affect the people of Oconee County.

Here is a look at a few of the issues likely to be at the forefront of debate:

Illegal immigration—With the number of illegal immigrants in the Palmetto State growing exponentially, the General Assembly will debate a comprehensive immigration reform plan.

Economic development--The General Assembly will examine the tax code to bolster the economic climate in South Carolina. The General Assembly will also identify ways to help small businesses save money and expand access to healthcare for their employees.

Education reform--The General Assembly will look for ways to reform the 30-year-old school funding formula. Legislation is also likely that will support reform and improvement of the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). House Speaker Harrell has already announced creation of a bi-partisan committee that is tasked with reviewing how our state funds education. To find out which elected officials have been appointed to the committee, click here.

Tax cuts for families--Legislation is being proposed that provides a tax cut for married couples and calls for a comprehensive review of the existing tax code.

Improving roads and bridges--Legislators will look for ways to dedicate an existing stream of revenue (such as sales tax on automobiles) to improving our state's roads and infrastructure.

Spending caps--The House will continue to push legislation that enacts spending caps on state and local government. It is interesting to note that the House has already passed this legislation three times; however, it has yet to pass the Senate.

Stopping hidden earmarks--Legislators will work for increased transparency in the state budget by identifying sponsors and projects by name. The measures are aimed at increasing fiscal responsibility in our state’s budget.

Water rights—With Oconee’s abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams and with the present drought, it has become very evident to me that South Carolina must take definitive action to protect this valuable resource. The House will review the issue of water rights to protect the quality and availability of this vital natural resource.

Sprinkler legislation--During the upcoming session, legislation will be debated on the issue of whether to provide tax cuts and incentives for businesses to install and update sprinkler systems. In the wake of the terrible tragedies in Charleston and North Carolina, the General Assembly is looking to do what it can to prevent such tragedies in the future.

To track these and other legislative issues, visit www.scstatehouse.net.

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