Published Wednesday, February 03, 2010 9:11 AM
Updated Wednesday, February 03, 2010 9:11 AM
Before the session kicks into high gear, I wanted to take a moment to let you know about some of the issues we’ll be tackling this year.
• Growing South Carolina’s economy and creating jobs
Unemployment is at record levels in South Carolina, currently hovering around 12 percent. I believe that the biggest priority this year must be getting our economy back on track and creating jobs.
To do so, we have to create new policy that makes South Carolina more business-friendly and competitive. We have to have a government that sustains existing jobs, helps South Carolina companies grow, and motivates new companies to locate here.
This year, I look for the General Assembly to find ways to reduce red tape for businesses, which will help the private sector lead us out of the recession. We also will focus on the health of the state’s infrastructure, an important economic development issue, and identify new and consistent funding sources to repair our roads and bridges.
Finally, I look for workforce training to be at the forefront of debate as we look for ways to help more citizens obtain job-related skills. This year, watch for measures that streamline the workforce training system statewide.
• Improving education
Education, I believe, is the most important issue for our children’s future and our future as a state. This year, I have already co-sponsored several bills related to education.
One is aimed at assisting our state’s charter schools, innovative public schools that provide a great option for many families. The bill would provide new options for funding, student transportation, and activities that enrich the learning experience.
A second piece of education-related legislation I am co-sponsoring this year requires that all substitute teachers undergo a criminal background check, an important measure to keep our children safe. It would also require South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to train appropriate school personnel to conduct those checks.
Another bill I will be sponsoring this year enables military dependents to qualify for in-state tuition at South Carolina’s colleges and universities even if their parents are transferred to a base outside of the state.
• Reforming our tax code
The economic situation has underscored that we need to simplify our state’s tax policies to be sure that they are not overburdening families and will encourage economic development.
One important step has been the Tax Realignment Commission (TRAC), an 11-member body created by the General Assembly last year. TRAC is currently working to scrutinize virtually every part of the state’s tax system. It will be developing a comprehensive strategy to present to the House and Senate. I expect that many pieces of tax-related legislation will emerge.??
• Making state government work better and more efficiently
Many lawmakers share my belief that the time has come for a major restructuring effort in some aspects of state government.
One issue likely to be debated this year is spending and budgeting. The need for this debate is highlighted by the fact that South Carolina has seen a $2 billion drop in state revenues over the last two years and expects negative revenue growth for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Another area to be addressed this year is how we can consolidate the functions of certain state agencies so we’re not duplicating services.
I would love to hear from you on any of the issues. Whether I am in Berkeley County or Columbia, I am only a phone call or email away: JoeDaning@comcast.net. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.