A Message from Rep. Bill Sandifer

Bipartisan Group Unveils

Blueprint for Reform in S.C. State Government

Since I was first elected to represent the people of Oconee County, one of my highest priorities has been working to make South Carolina’s state government more efficient and accountable. I believe we owe this to taxpayers. We want to make sure that every one of their hard-earned dollars is spent wisely and with the best possible return on investment.

As part of my crusade for smarter government, I am pleased to tell you that I am involved in one of the most exciting reform movements in our state government’s history.

I have been working with two dozen other Republican and Democratic senators and house members to form the first-ever Reform Caucus. This bipartisan group, which I am honored to co-chair, is working for measures that will streamline government and make it more accessible to citizens.

We have unveiled our “Blueprint for Reform,” a partial list of measures we think are needed. Several of these measures are outlined below:

• Banning taxpayer-funded lobbyists

• Requiring full disclosure for all campaign spending by corporate funded non-profits or 527’s

• Requiring online disclosures for all campaigns, PAC's and lobbyists

• Eliminating the "pork" of the Competitive Grant Program with a local economic stimulus re-investment pool

• Initiating public election of the State Insurance Commissioner

• Requiring truth in bidding/no change orders to keep vendor costs within approved budgets for state-funded projects

• Conducting performance audits to find and eliminate inefficiency and duplication, and to ensure legislation is having the intended effect

• Conducting five-year planning in state government to set long-term goals and priorities

• Using technology to broadcast meetings of all governing boards and commissions

For more information about the Reform Caucus and our Blueprint for Reform, I encourage you to read the full news release on my website here. I believe that over time we can transform and overhaul our state government to save our taxpayers money. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Rep. Bill Sandifer