Harvey Peeler

Senate Majority Leader: “Government reform breeds economic growth.”

Columbia, SC – January 13, 2009 – Facing the toughest economic climate in recent years, South Carolina’s Republican Senators are demanding government accountability to reduce state spending and promote economic growth. Today the South Carolina Senate passed an accountability plan that demands more “on the record” voting and reforms practices that breed excessive government spending.

“Economic growth and job creation require low taxes, workforce education, a strong infrastructure, and healthy employees.  We will not be able to fulfill those needs and create jobs until we make government more accountable to the taxpayers,” said Majority Leader Harvey Peeler.

Peeler continued “government reform breeds economic growth.  This is just the first of many steps we will take in 2009 to change the way South Carolina government operates.”

Showing they are serious about commonsense government reform, the Senate’s Republican Majority passed a rule overhaul on the very first day of session that requires a recorded vote on:

• All contested bills
• All uncontested bills with a fiscal impact over $10,000
• All bills or resolutions authorizing the expenditure of funds
• All bills or resolutions that contain provisions that would create a fee or tax, raise the amount of an existing fee or tax, or reduce an existing fee or tax
• The state budget
• All bills or resolutions that impact the pay, benefits or retirement of members of the General Assembly, the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch or the provisions of the Ethics Act or the Campaign Finance Act.
• Amendments to the South Carolina Constitution
• Any state or congressional reapportionment plan
• Conference and free conference reports
• Any vote to override the Governor’s veto
• Any amended bill returned by the State House

Senator Glenn McConnell, President Pro Tempore of the Senate said “during this tough economic crisis it is essential that our elected officials are spending every tax dollar wisely and in a way that will build our economy. Our new rules change will make the Senate transparent and it will show that taxpayers how hard we are working to get South Carolina back on track.”

The requirement for a roll call vote was also lowered from a request by five Senators down to three Senators. However, any one Senator can demand a roll call by placing it on the contested calendar.

Senator Larry Martin, Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee commented, “The rule will require a roll call vote on practically every bill that is considered in the Senate.  We’ve also make it easier for members to demand a roll call on amendments and on the limited number of bills not covered by the rule with three versus five members asking for a vote.  The rule is a win for those of us that have advocated more transparency and for the public to have a record of how its senators voted on legislation.””

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