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Point of sale tax compromise “on life support” (Audio)

February 11, 2010 By

Pickens County Senator Larry Martin says the point of sale tax exemption isn’t dead yet, but it’s definitely on life support. The amendment failed on a final vote 27-13 in the Senate Wednesday afternoon. It needed 31 votes to pass. Senators will try Thursday to reconsider the legislation. If that fails, it goes back to a committee and is likely dead for the year.

The latest compromise was supposedly reached Tuesday between the South Carolina Association of Realtors and a group of county and local government interests. Republicans say the legislation would spur the state’s economy by encouraging the sale of commercial property.

Local governments stand to lose millions under the measure. Association of Counties attorney Robert Croom said after the failed vote Wednesday that he was not sure what happened, but that his organization had definitely “checked off” on the compromise.

Pickens County Republican Larry Martin said that the two-thirds majority vote was just too much of a hurdle.

(Martin on point of sale MP3  2:47)
Martin on point of sale MP3 2:47

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Filed Under: Business, Legislature, News

ESC discussion begins in SC Senate (Audio)

February 11, 2010 By

The South Carolina Senate on Wednesday began the long-awaited discussion concerning the Employment Security Commission. Both Democrats and Republicans have said they are anxious to debate the ESC. Republicans say the agency needs restructuring. In addition, South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom on Tuesday called into question ESC accounting for hundreds of millions in stimulus funds.

In an attempt to clarify who is to blame for the issues with the agency, Lexington County Senator Jake Knotts dug up a review of the agency by state lawmakers dating back to 2004. He says the study shows the ESC had problems even back then. He said the blame of any problems lie largely with state lawmakers. To prove his point, Knotts passed out copies of the original panel review.  Knotts told lawmakers that changes needed to be made, but he warned them not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Knotts is not in favor of making the ESC a cabinet agency, a proposal some have supported. Knotts says if state lawmakers will create the right law to control the commission, it will put the changes in place to make a difference.

(Knotts on ESC MP3  4:03)
Knotts on ESC MP3 4:03

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Filed Under: Business, Economy, Legislature, News

High school prayer club must be student-led, open to all

February 11, 2010 By

A religious club meeting at a Georgetown school has gotten statewide attention after school officials there halted its meetings at the local high school. The school superintendent in Georgetown County Wednesday clarified where the confusion lay over a local club’s right to meet on campus.

Georgetown County School District officials say the students at Georgetown High School are allowed to pray in school, only if certain rules are abided by. The procedures that were announced Tuesday allow students to form a prayer club. Last week, reports say the high school stopped a longtime practice of a local woman inviting students to pray at the school. She also delivered religious literature to the students. Americans United for Separation of Church and State complained about the practices.  A club is allowed to meet only if any student can participate, there must be a faculty sponsor, and all club activities have to be led by students.

Filed Under: Education, News
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