Voting early and oftenGOP seeks election changes, critics complain of burdensBy Bill Davis, senior editor
MAY 1, 2009 -- In the nooks and crannies of this year’s legislative agenda, not taken up by budget and stimulus debate, the General Assembly has been discussing another matter: democracy.
 A slew of voting and election bills emerged this year following the record turnout at polls for the presidential election in November.
The three biggies to emerge from the House and the Senate were bills to stop fusion voting -- forcing candidates to pick and stick with a single party affiliation on the ballot -- to allow for early voting, and require voters to show a picture I.D. card of some sort before being allowed to cast their vote.
Early in the session, the House passed the fusion and I.D. bills onto the Senate, where they await action in a Judiciary subcommittee. While both bills passed easily along party-line votes, the I.D. bill saw House Democrats, led by the Black Caucus, march out of the chambers in protest.
Democrats complained Republican versions and amendments to the election bills were meant to stifle voter rights and accessibility following the success President Barack Obama had in the state. Republicans have countered that their bills and amendments would expand voting, but also kept elections orderly.
Victoria Middleton, executive director of the ACLU S.C. National Office,
said the three bills taken together represent a “chilling or restricting”
for voting rights when the state should be more focused on “enhancing
access.”
Early voting now in the crosshairs
Now the fight has moved to the issue of early voting, which allows citizens to cast their ballots for a period of time before election day, no excuse needed.
Currently, there is no early voting in South Carolina, unlike several neighboring states. Voters are, however, allowed to cast absentee ballots up to a month ahead of Election Day, but have to have an approved excuse.
Long lines of voters at last November’s general election has spurred interest in allowing for an extended voting period. In that election, a record 1.9 million registered South Carolina voters, roughly two-thirds of all voters on the books, went to the polls.
 At one majority black downtown poll in Charleston, voters waited more than six hours to cast their presidential ballots, prompting one gray-haired black grandmother to counter complaints of tired feet and aching backs with, “I’ve waited all my life to vote for this man (Obama), I’ll wait a little longer.”
Democrats in the House and Senate proffered bills that would allow early voting between 15 to 30 days prior to a statewide primary election. Support among the Democrats shifted to the 15-day window. The bill would allow voters to cast their ballots at specific, existing polling sites.
Republicans, which hold the strong majority in the House and Senate, countered with a series of bills and amendments that would reduce the number of days to just three. Specifically, Thursday through Saturday leading up to a Tuesday statewide primary election; Sunday and Monday would remain off limits.
Critics say three days isn't enough
Tyler Jones, executive director of the South Carolina House Democratic Caucus, cried foul, and said Republicans were running scared after seeing the “Obama Effect” dramatically increase voter turnout. He also said the three days might not be enough for the elderly.
“It’s a weird move, considering Republicans almost always win the absentee votes,” said Jones, who added that there was no testimony presented in the House about voter fraud this last year.
 House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham (R-Cayce) agreed that his party usually carried absentees, but said there was no overt political machinations involved in his party’s stances.
“I just think that we have election days for a reason,” said Bingham. “We have to let them run their course, to have them complete their cycle.
Bingham said 15 days was too long, and that elections would lose their “focus”
“Look, we’re expanding voting from no days to three days,” said Greg Foster, communications director for House Speaker Bobby Harrell (R-Charleston) who signed onto several of the Republican voting bills.
Foster said much of the Democratic positions were without merit, much like the opposition to voter I.D. requirements. “You have to produce an I.D. to do just about everything in the world these days; you even have to produce identification when buying Sudafed,” Foster said, adding that it‘s already
the way elections are held in Oklahoma.
But the ACLU’s Middleton argued that South Carolina is one of the Southern states that falls under the federal Voting Rights Act, and that because of historical voting problems, shouldn’t be considered the same as Oklahoma.
Crystal ball: Fusion and voter I.D. are sitting in subcommittees in the Senate and are expected to be dealt with this session. However on Thursday, the House adjourned debate on H. 3608, the bill that would create early voting in the state. Since today (May 1) is the deadline for when bills can be sent over from one chamber to the next without an extraordinary two-thirds vote, early voting has likely died a late death this year and will likely be taken up in January when the legislature reconvenes.
|
All eyes on the SenateWith the House and its staffers on furlough in the coming week, the legislative focus shifts to the Senate. Payday lending will likely dominate floor discussions. A full agenda awaits the Finance Committee Tuesday, but that agenda hadn’t been officially released yet.
On Wednesday, a Judiciary subcommittee will meet at 9 a.m. in 207 Gressette to discuss a law that would extend human rights to children and perhaps to the unborn, possibly affecting state abortion law.
In other meeting news:
- Women. The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics will host the 2009 Leading Women Dinner honoring tonight and the Spring Campaign School on Saturday at the Clarion Hotel in Columbia.
- Economy. The BEA Board meeting for May has been rescheduled for: Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m. in room 417 of the Rembert Dennis Building.
|
Early close ahead
The House passed a sine die resolution this week of May 21, setting the final day of this year’s legislative session. The Senate has said it will aim for May 21, too. With the House on furlough this week and the Senate still considering a similar move for later in the month, the question becomes: Is there enough time for anything to get done this, the first of a two-year legislative session?
Bill watch
Thanks to the weeks of delay in the House and Senate to craft a cogent 2009-10 state budget, many important bills remained locked in committees and subcommittees. Slowing both chambers this year was the appearance of an $8 billion federal stimulus package handed out by the Obama Administration and Gov. Mark Sanford’s stance on not accepting a sliver of it meant for education and law enforcement.
What that now means is that big chunks of legislative checklists, parties and leadership, will go unchecked. First up, House Speaker Bobby Harrell (R-S.C.) will not get tort reform through this year. Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) will also likely have to wait until 2010 before a slew of energy efficiency bills he backed last year are dealt with.
Also likely stuck in committee until the new year: creating a Department of Administration, a “middle court” system to deal with non-violent drug offenders, and addressing the state’s “minimally adequate” education language in the constitution.
Sen. David Thomas, who battled unsuccessfully last year for sprinklers to be retrofitted into public buildings, said he will likely go home disappointed this year on his push to require certification and licensure of mortgage loan originators.
With the budget handled in the Senate, look for the cigarette tax to be dealt with quickly on the floor of the Senate in the following weeks.
|
Stripping TRAC
With the House and the Senate ready to move forward on a final bill to create a Tax Realignment Commission, Democrats are screaming that House Republicans aren’t playing fair. This week, an amendment was successfully passed onto the House version that emerged from the Ways and Means Committee effectively stripping House Democratic members from naming a representative to the conference committee.
Calling it partisan politics of the worst kind, House Democrats have called on their GOP counterparts to return Senate language guaranteeing as much. Ways and Means vice chair Annette Young (R-Summerville) was incredulous.
“This is the way every appointment is set up, throughout every bill that is passed, so why are they whining,” Young asked, and added that Speaker Bobby Harrell (R-Charleston) has always included a Democrat on all past conference committees. Harrell’s office confirmed that the speaker intended to name at least one Democrat to the committee and that selections are always made along leadership lines, and not party lines.
When asked if that meant Harrell could name, say, three Democrats to take all the seats on the committee, Harrell’s spokesperson Greg Foster deemed that “a highly unlikely scenario.” Still, Young said “I’ve never known the Speaker to not be fair.”
Changing of the guard
Republican Steve Moss this week defeated Democrat Tim Spencer by close to 300 votes in a special election to fill the Cherokee County seat. The county had been a Democratic stronghold.
Budget delay
The state Senate finally approved a $5.7 billion state budget for 2009-10 that includes portions of the federal stimulus bill that Gov. Mark Sanford had vowed to hold in arrears until debt-cutting concessions were made. Unfortunately, the Senate was already a week late in crafting the budget, and with the House going on furlough next week, the issue will sit dormant for at least a week. When the House returns, it can either accept, deny, or amend the budget. Most likely, the House will reject and amend, and the two bodies will meet in conference committee to hash out a final appropriations bill.
Remembering Dolly Cooper
We are saddened to report that former House of Representatives member M. J. “Dolly” Cooper, 88, passed away since our last issue. Cooper served in the House from 1974 until 1990, when his son, Dan, replaced him. Dan Cooper (R-Piedmont) is currently the chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Dolly Cooper, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient in WWII, was regarded as a tireless public servant and a man of ceaseless humor. Dolly Cooper: Rest in peace.
Brown town
As Upstate legislators line-up to replace Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC), who is not running for reelection so he can focus on his gubernatorial campaign, the sharks are starting to circle the seat of Congressman Henry Brown’s (R-S.C.). Exposed as a vulnerable candidate in the November election, Brown, the self-described “Republican workhorse” and fellow traveler with former President Bush, defeated Charleston activist Linda Ketner by little more than 4 percent. This in a state where the voting preference typically skews Republican. Several seated legislators have expressed some interest, but none on the record.
|
Spring is in the air with lots of things to doBy Andy Brack, editor and publisher MAY 1, 2009 -- Some folks might shed a tear about the stimulus money that South Carolina may or may not get. Others might pound the wall in frustration about the state’s high unemployment. And many are worried about the swine flu.
 But let’s all remember that spring is in the air. It’s a good time to put things in perspective.
While budget cuts are limiting what many government agencies can do these days, they are still doing a whole lot of good things with taxpayer dollars that you can take advantage of to enjoy the season. Here’s a list of some of what’s out there to consider:
Check out your library. The network of libraries around South Carolina offers a lot of free entertainment for the whole family. Not only are there summer reading programs to keep children interested and learning, there are movies and books that will thrill parents.
“Libraries in South Carolina are seeing double-digit increases in circulation and visits as families choose to use their local library more during the national economic downturn,” said State Librarian David Goble. “Families in the state are finding libraries to be a very cost effective alternative to going out to the movies or to a concert or buying books.”
Find a festival. It seems that just about anywhere you turn in the warmer months, you can find a festival of some sort. From the highbrow Spoleto Festival later this month in Charleston to the Hampton County Watermelon Festival in June, there are dozens of community events that feature contests, parades, rides, and great local arts, crafts and produce. Perhaps the best way to pick something to your liking is to go to Sciway.net’s monthly calendar.
 Buy local at a farmers market. Want to get a real taste of South Carolina? There are more than 80 community-based farmers markets across the state, according to Stephen Hudson at the S.C. Department of Agriculture. What’s great about these venues is that you can get good food, socialize with your neighbors and become more involved in your community. Visit the Department’s Web site and enter “farmers markets” in the search engine to find a market near you. (Or just click here.)
Network with a producer. If you’re really into buying locally, the Agriculture Department and other agencies have launched the SC Market Maker Web site to link farmers, producers and consumers. What better entertainment for young children than to head to a farm or fishery to learn about how our food gets to us. The site offers an online searchable database that will allow you, for example, to find wild South Carolina shrimp or homegrown tomatoes. More.
Enjoy a state park. South Carolina is blessed to have 47 vibrant state parks where visitors can fish, swim, hike, paddle and more. Now in its 75th year, the S.C. State Park Service generates almost all of its own operating revenue through its cabin, campsite and other rentals, said spokesman Mark Rapport. Not only does the state parks system preserve special South Carolina places, it offers more than 80,000 acres of diverse ecosystems that visitors can explore - - from the mountains at Table Rock and Caesars Head to beaches and the sea at Hunting and Edisto islands. History buffs can learn about the Revolutionary War at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site and students can find out about the start of the state at historic Charles Town Landing State Historic Site. Learn more.
Celebrate the arts. The Palmetto State is home to thousands of talented artists and craftsmen. To help artists, the S.C. Arts Commission supports a network of arts organizations and artists to enrich their communities. Not only does the commission expose 135,000 students to artists and performances during the school year, but it works to sustain artists throughout the year to ensure all South Carolinians have the opportunity to experience creativity in their communities. Learn more through the Commission’s Arts Daily and other offerings.
There’s a lot out there to entertain, enthrall and energize that is provided by state agencies and their dedicated employees. All you have to do is look for it … and have fun.
|
OK, so, you can vent hereIf you want some space to vent, consider sending something to MY TURN, our weekly op-ed feature. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. One submission allowed per month. Submission of a My Turn comment grants permission to us to reprint. Please keep your comment to 600 words or less:
feedback@statehousereport.com
RECENT MY TURNS
|
4/30: Angry at Legislature for mess it created To SC Statehouse Report:
Has anyone seen the draft budget, that I'm sure was in the works, prior to the announcement of the Federal "stimulus" LOAN coming in? How many state agencies and departments were going to have to cut positions based on the Sales Tax Revenue, Reduced Income Tax, No Property Tax PLAN?
A few years ago, an election year, the House and the Senate passed the most insane changes in the tax laws ever in the 11-plus hour. And to think, they didn't even look at the ridiculous tax exemptions on the books - (Go Bobby Harrell!) It’s doubtful any single legislative officer knew what they passed; well, South Carolina certainly found out real quick, especially the education system.
NO ONE listened to any of the think tank experts telling them that with ups and downs in the economy, they were just asking for a future disaster basing all operating revenue on such a slippery slope. Now throw in a recession and well, now it’s everyone else’s fault but theirs. Face it, the legislature literally set this state up for failure and we Carolinians have no one to blame but ourselves.
As in the past, revenue bottoms out and more and more responsibilities are passed down to local governments (counties & municipalities) and school districts; and oh, let’s cut the bare minimum revenue that was being sent to help pay for these pass-ons as well! Let’s also continue with the "tax law" that dictates the "locals" can't even raise taxes to cover the additional cost.
I, for one, am furious at the ridiculous amount of time spent fussing and discussing bills that are going to do NOTHING to help get the state out of this mess. Yes, I know that completely revamping the tax laws is a massive task. Yes, I know that REALLY looking at line item budget request and current expenditures is a massive task. Yes, I know you need the state to pay for your health insurance, your cell phone, your retirement, your whatever … but you asked to be elected to be "accountable for South Carolina's future"! START DOING IT AND QUIT LOOKING FOR A QUICK BAILOUT from a bankrupt federal government!
One more thing: When I worked in government, if you had outstanding state, federal or local tax payments, you didn't have a government job any longer. Why do our legislators think they don't have to follow the same rules? (Go Greg Ryberg)
-- Deborah S. Nye, Leesville, S.C.
4/29: What about work history, credit history?
To SC Statehouse Report:
I just read your article on the difference in the cost of a loan between black and white borrowers. There were two words that were missing that might make a difference and those two words are “credit score.”
Two words that you did use more than once were “similar” and “comparable” After reading that article, the only thing that I found similar and comparable was their income. I do not work in the mortgage lending field, but I do believe that having a similar and comparable income does not mean that the cost of the loan will be the same. I would think that your work history and credit history would be a factor in the cost of the loan. It would be interesting to see if the credit scores were similar as their incomes.
-- Don Gooch, Cheraw, S.C.
4/28: Questions mortgage statistics
To SC Statehouse Report:
After reading your column this morning, I have to question the statistics that seem to prove discrimination in both the mortgage lending and male / female wage disparity in SC. I have been in the manufactured/ modular home business for over 20 years. All the lenders we deal with base their interest rates on credit scores. I could show you their rate sheets, but basically the better scores get lower rates. Their total credit history, job time, income, etc. are of course a factor in getting approved, but the "cost" of their loan, rates and fees, is based on their score which is a number assigned by the credit bureaus.
In order for there to be discrimination, someone needs to show that customers with the same credit backgrounds, scores, job time and income were either turned down for a loan or given a higher rate than a customer of a different race with the same situation. I have never seen this happen.
Regarding wage discrimination, it seems highly unlikely that a female employee working alongside a male with the same experience and education is going to be paid 28 percent to 35 percent less and tolerate it. Yet this is the only way there is truly discrimination. Education and experience, location, local economy, all would be factors in wages paid. I remember reading somewhere (Kathleen Parker maybe?) that these numbers are skewed also by the fact women tend to assume more the child care role in the family and take a job with less hours or more flexibility (but lower wage) in order to take care of the kids. The husband may have the job with benefits so she can do this. I have no expertise here, but nothing is ever as simple as those numbers make it seem.
I think a more in-depth look at the source of both these sets of statistics might make for an interesting future column.
-- Steve Merrick, Central Carolina Homes Inc., Sumter, S.C.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wage discrimination is real in South Carolina, according to Center for Women director Jennet Alterman of Charleston. Just last week, the American Association of University Women published a report that said in South Carolina, female college graduates earn a $45,400 median annual income, compared to $64,300 for men – a 71 percent earnings gap. For all workers, the gap is 75 percent, she said.
|
Up, down and in-between
 Gullick. Lake Wylie Republican Rep. Carl Gullick introduced a bill that would state utilities from using coal mined from mountaintops. More: The State.
 Stimulus. The Senate passed a budget, mirroring in effect the House budget, that will require Gov. Mark Sanford to accept the $700 million sliver in federal stimulus package funds meant for education and law enforcement. This means two things: jobs and more political infighting.
Vouchers. A Senate subcommittee criticized a voucher bill, but passed it along anyway. More: Greenville News.
 TRAC. House Republicans have offered an amendment to remove all Democrats from the TRAC (tax realignment commission) bill? What’s next, getting rid of grocery taxes and shifting education funding to sales tax? When will the good ideas end?
Swine flu. “Lucky” 13 reported cases in South Carolina, and likely climbing.
ESC. For the second time, the House has sent back a bill moving the state’s unemployment office into the governor’s cabinet. Somebody needs to put this controversy to rest -- if the governor can’t create jobs, let him pay for it. Literally. More: The State.
|
|
|