Harvey Peeler

SUBCOMMITTEE MOVES TWO AGENCIES UNDER THE GOVERNOR’S PURVIEW

A key South Carolina State Senate subcommittee passed three government restructuring bills yesterday, a move many are applauding as a strong effort to make state government more efficient, accountable, and responsive. Chaired by Senator Danny Verdin (R-Laurens), the Medical Affairs subcommittee refined the operations of South Carolina’s health care services, moving two agencies under the Governor’s cabinet.

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee) appointed the committee to look for ways to make the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), and the Department of Mental Health more efficient. Hit by a tough economic crisis, Senate leaders are looking for conservative ways to tighten the state’s budgetary belt. Restructuring agencies will save taxpayer dollars while making the departments more efficient.

In three separate bills, DHEC and the Department of Mental Health will be moved under the Governor’s cabinet and led by a Secretary appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. DDSN will remain a non-cabinet agency with a seven-member board appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate. The DDSN bill also enacts changes recommended by a Legislative Audit Counsel review.

In passing the bills out of subcommittee, Senator Verdin said “We should be focused like a laser on building South Carolina’s economy and creating new jobs. Government reform will save taxpayer dollars and help make our state more business friendly.”

He continued, “South Carolina’s hard working taxpayers deserve better than what government is providing. We know what has to be done to make government more accountable and we’re determined to get the job done.”

Majority Leader Peeler commented “we have to prove to businesses looking at South Carolina that we’re committed to running the most efficient and accountable government in the nation. Conservative reform will create jobs.”