South Carolina Legislative Report - June 29, 2012

June 25 - June 29, 2012

On the Floor 

Budget
This week the budget conference committee reached an agreement on the annual appropriations bill, H. 4813. The final compromise, approved by the House and Senate, centered on a tax cut for small businesses and, specifically, how that tax cut would be paid for. The agreement calls for a $60 million dollar cut, phased in over three years, that would drop the tax rate from five percent down to three percent  In addition, the conference committee agreed on a three percent pay raise for state employees and teachers. The budget now goes to the Governor who has five days to consider possible vetoes.

With the new fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2012, lawmakers also passed a continuing resolution to keep state government operating until the General Assembly can take up any possible budget vetoes or until the Governor signs the bill.  The continuing resolution, H. 5418, will maintain the previous year’s spending levels, additionally the Senate added in a provision that included the agreed upon small business tax cuts.  The General Assembly is expected to return in the next few weeks to take up any possible vetoes to the budget.

In the News 

Haley Cleared on Ethics Charges
The House Ethics Committee on Friday voted unanimously to clear Governor Haley of all charges after taking testimony from witnesses. Governor Haley had been accused of illegal lobbying and solicitation on behalf of her previous employers, Lexington Medical Center and Wilbur Smith and Associates, during her tenure in the House of Representatives.  The Committee had voted to clear Haley, before deciding to reopen the investigation to gather evidence and take testimony.