Release – DOA Bill – Real Reform Now in Sight

House working to deliver plan that best protects taxpayers

(Columbia, SC)  – After almost a year-long debate, the state Senate approved The S.C. Restructuring Act (H. 3066), a bill that will bring major reforms to the way our state government operates by consolidating functions under a newly-created Department of Administration (DOA).  Controlled by the Executive Branch, the DOA will take over most of the day-to-day operations of state government which currently reside under the quasi-Legislative/Executive Budget & Control Board.  Placing responsibility under a unified agency that answers to a clear chain of command will greatly increase government accountability and efficiency. 
[Read more...]

Release – Veto Override Can Right Unfortunate Wrong

Protecting SC’s environment, economy & rule of law

(Columbia, SC) – Today, the S.C. House voted 111-1 to override the Governor’s veto of an act protecting our state’s waterways and economic interests (H. 4627).  The measure now goes to the Senate where, by a 2/3 override vote of that body, it can become state law.  First approved by a 111-0 House vote and then by a 37-0 Senate vote, the vetoed act:
[Read more...]

Release – Veto Compounds a Bad Decision for SC

Governor’s dredging veto explanation doesn’t hold up

(Columbia, SC) – Gov. Nikki Haley today vetoed an act protecting SC’s waterways & economic interests (H. 4627).  Approved by a 111-0 House vote & then by a 37-0 Senate vote, the act:
[Read more...]

Release – DHEC Ignored State Law w/ Dredging Vote

Legislation addresses DHEC’s actions & protects SC’s future interests

(Columbia, SC) – Today, the S.C. House of Representatives passed a bill (H. 4627) to protect our state’s waterways and environmental interests.  The Legislation, approved by a 111 to 0 vote, reaffirmed and solidified an existing 2007 state law requiring the Governor’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Board to first gain the approval of the Savannah River Maritime Commission before it can take action on matters pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, sludge disposal and other collateral issues in regard to the Savannah River.
[Read more...]

Release – SLED Investigating Reports of Dead People Voting

New fraud concerns make strong case for Voter ID appeal even stronger

(Columbia, SC) – To secure our state elections and the integrity of every ballot, South Carolina lawmakers passed a Voter ID law last year supported by more than ¾ of all citizens.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell said, “Lacking a photo ID requirement makes it difficult, if not impossible, to prove or even recognize some types of potential voter fraud.  Many opportunities where fraud could occur would easily be prevented with Voter ID, or at a minimum, make it very difficult to cast a ballot from beyond the grave.”
[Read more...]

Censored by The State Newspaper

By, Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the S.C. House
Censored by The State

*Indicates Areas Censored by The State Newspaper*

*Focusing on an issue Senator Glenn McConnell and I raised in a recent op-ed,* The State newspaper responded with a column by Cindi Ross Scoppe (“The $3 Billion Threat”, Nov. 13, 2011) that fell quite short of fully reflecting the reality of a pending court case to eliminate all our state’s sales tax exemptions*, resulting in a $3 billion tax increase*.
[Read more...]

Release – $3 Billion Tax Hike Case in Court Today

SC Supreme Court hears arguments for & against backdoor tax increase 

(Columbia, SC) – Today, the SC Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could result in a recurring $3 billion tax increase and 50 percent growth to our state’s budget.  Representing the plaintiffs in this case – who initiated this lawsuit by suing our state – the sitting Chairman of the SC Democratic Party has also been acting as lead spokesman for the plaintiffs in this effort to use the Court system to implement their vision of tax policy.
[Read more...]

Release – DOJ Approves SC Congressional Map

Addition of new 7th District OK’ed 

(Columbia, SC) – Late Friday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Justice sent notice that the South Carolina Congressional Map had received preclearance.  This notice of approval included the addition of South Carolina’s newly added 7th Congressional District.
[Read more...]

Release – Redistricting Plan Submitted

Glenn F. McConnell                                               Robert W. Harrell
President Pro Tempore                                          Speaker
South Carolina Senate                                          South Carolina House

(Columbia) – The Congressional redistricting plan approved by the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate at the end of the 2011 legislative session has been submitted to the United States Department of Justice for review and administrative approval.  The new redistricting plan, enacted as Act No. 75 of 2011 (H. 3992, R. 111) and signed by the Governor on August 1, 2011, impacts all six of the state’s current districts for the United States House of Representatives, and creates a new seventh district in accordance with the nationwide reapportionment of the Congressional House seats.
[Read more...]

Release – 2012 PGA Championship, Military to Receive Free Admission

Complimentary Grounds Tickets to the Armed Forces throughout the Championship

Social Media: “All active-duty military personnel to receive complimentary admission to @2012PGA Championship on @kiawahisland #PGA #golf”

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, The PGA of America is proud to offer complimentary admission for all active military personnel to the 2012 PGA Championship, Aug. 6-12, on Kiawah Island, S.C.
[Read more...]