SC CHAMBER KEY VOTE ALERT: SC General Assembly overrides Farm Aid Veto.... Both the House and Senate voted in overwhelming majorities to override the veto of H.4717, a bill that provides assistance for farmers affected by October's historic flooding. The South Carolina Chamber supports our farmers and issued an alert to legislators informing them that the vote to override the veto will be scored on our 2016 Legislative Scorecard.
SCE&G and SC Chamber host End of Year Awards ceremony at the Brunson-Dargan Homework Center... We celebrated our largest homework center for a job well-done this school year with the End of Year Awards this week. Awards were given to students in the areas of ELA, Math, Effort, and Attendance. The Homework Centers, now in their 25th year, provide safe, supervised, and structured learning environments to strengthen students’ academic skills, serving over 300 students since its inception in 2010. Congrats to all award winners and thanks to our teaches for a great year!
Business Week 2016 is officially booked! We've reached maximum capacity for Business Week students but it's not too late to get involved- We're still accepting sponsorships, and it’s as easy as clicking here! Learn more about how you can help us help the future business leaders of South Carolina.
SLBC announces 'A Day of Remembrance, A Day of Celebration' in honor of Late Senator Clementa Pinckney... Theall-day event will be held May 25th and feature the SC Supreme Court Justice election, a prayer under the State House Dome, a portrait unveiling of Sen. Pinckney and conclude with a corporate roundtable gala. More information can be found here.
Employee Health Benefits Lunch & Learn
May 25, 2016
*NEW* Get up-to-date information on SC business issues and earn professional development credits all while eating lunch!
Statehouse Update: Big wheels keep on turning in the South Carolina legislature as the Ways and Means Revenue Policy Subcommittee amended roads bill S.1258 to include the reform language from the House passed, amended version of H.3579 (now in conference committee). The current bill includes an additional recurring revenue stream from DMV fees. As it stands now, the bill allocates DMV fees & fines, the Vehicle Sales tax, STIB bonds and the existing DOT funds to begin to fix our roads and bridges. While this is a step in the right direction, the Chamber remains committed to ensuring a long-term solution for infrastructure.
H.3430, the Unsafe Used Tire bill, was again held up by Senator Vincent Sheheen on the Senate floor. He has blocked the legislation since the first day of the 2016 session. The Chamber, along with The SC Tire Manufacturers Council, has championed this public safety initiative which will take hazardous tires off the road. Another attempt is likely to be made to allow for extended debate next week.
The House held off on discussing the Pollution Control Act, but there is still time to deal with the issue this session. There are two legislative weeks left.
Bills on our radar:
S.868– Eminent Domain for Pipeline Companies Summary: As amended, this bill as amended prohibits condemnation authority by a specific energy industry sector. Chamber Position: The SC Chamber testified in opposition to an amendment approved by subcommittee which sets a precedent for singling out a specific industry sector and has the potential to limit future energy infrastructure development in South Carolina. STATUS UPDATE: Passed out of full judiciary committee
S. 1062- Nuisance Suits Related to Existing Uses of Real Property Summary: Amends existing housing and redevelopment code to provide that existing industrial facilities shall not be eligible for nuisance suits. Chamber Position: Monitoring Status: Carried over after deliberations last week by a Senate LCI Subcommittee
H.4967 - Business License Compliance Reform Act Summary: Simplifies and reforms the business license tax process Chamber Position: Actively pursuing amendments to improve the legislation STATUS UPDATE: Chamber President Ted Pitts testified in support of this bill in front of the Ad-Hoc Subcomittee last week stating, "business licensing in South Carolina is one of the most unfriendly in the nation." The bill was carried over.
H.5109 – South Carolina Business License Tax Standardization Act Summary: Aims to streamline the process for obtaining a business license within South Carolina cities and towns Chamber Position: Actively pursuing amendments to improve the legislation STATUS UPDATE: Currently residing in House LCI Committee
*Business Licensing Reform is a top priority for the Chamber as detailed in our 2016 Competitiveness Agenda
H.4717 – S.C. Farm Aid Fund Summary: Allows farmers with total crop losses of 40% or greater from the flood to be eligible for a limited state grant. Chamber Position:Support; Scoring vote for Legislative Scorecard STATUS UPDATE: VETO OVERRIDDEN, BILL WILL BECOME LAW
H.5226 – Electric Service Summary: Allows the General Assembly to interfere with and void a contract between two parties for utility services. Chamber Position: Oppose on basis that the legislation interferes in contract negotiations. Status: Adjourned debate by House LCI Subcommittee
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