We owe a debt of gratitude to the South Carolina Policy Council for this information.
2009 General Assembly Voted Anonymously 75 Percent of the Time
The South Carolina General Assembly recorded its votes on 532 out of 2,116 bills considered during the 2009 legislative session, according to the final vote count tracked by the Policy Council. This total excludes votes on congratulatory resolutions that did not impact actual legislation.74.9 percent of votes held by the General Assembly were taken via anonymous voice votes despite new rules adopted by the legislature in January requiring more accountability. The House recorded votes 31.2 percent of the time in 2009. The Senate recorded votes 15.6 percent of the time.Both legislative bodies held more votes on the record this year than in 2008, but even with this improvement the South Carolina legislature remains among the nation's worst with just 1 out of every 4 votes being recorded.
Recorded Votes: South Carolina General Assembly 2009
S.C. Senate
Votes Taken 825
Votes Recorded 129
Percentage Recorded 15.6%
S.C. House
Votes Taken 1291
Votes Recorded 403
Percentage Recorded 31.2%
Legislative Total 2116
Votes Taken 532
Votes Recorded 25.1%
Percentage Recorded
For comparison, a 2008 Policy Council study of the constitutional and legislative procedural rules in all other states found 41 of 50 states require at least one legislative chamber to record its vote on every single bill passed into law. Four other states mandate recorded votes on all revenue bills.The rules adopted by the S.C. General Assembly in January do not require a recorded vote on:
Each state budget section - only if one representative requests, no Senate requirement
Uncontested legislation - five representatives or one senator required to contest.
The General Assembly considers legislation on two separate calendars - the contested and uncontested calendar. Bills are considered uncontested unless lawmakers object and request to move the bill to the contested calendar, where it is debated and voted on publicly. One Senator or five Representatives is required to move a bill to the contested calendar.Only legislation on the contested calendar is required to get a vote on the record under the January rules change. This means lawmakers can avoid a recorded vote by agreeing to keep a bill on the uncontested calendar. This leaves citizens with no power and gives lawmakers complete freedom to decide if and when a matter will receive a recorded vote.For example, House Bill 3635 became law this session. It imposes a $10 annual fishing license fee for recreational saltwater angling, along with several other fees, including a $150-$300 fee to operate a saltwater public fishing pier or a saltwater charter fishing vessel. Defenders of the legislation claim the fee increase is necessary to avoid an even larger federal licensing fee. That defense may be entirely valid, but state lawmakers approved a de facto tax increase. Citizens deserve to know how their legislators voted. The Senate approved the bill on a 29-15 recorded vote, while the House approved it via an anonymous voice vote.This example illustrates there is no clear reason why the Senate recorded this vote and the House did not. When lawmakers control which votes are recorded there is no consistency or predictability in the process. Citizens cannot know with any certainty whether legislation will receive a recorded vote nor can they hold their elected officials accountable. For more information:Click Here to view the Policy Council's 2009 Legislative Vote Tracker OnlineLook for more examples of bills passed on voice votes by the legislature next week
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Friday, May 29, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
SC Policy Council Weekly Review
Important news from the the South Carolina Policy Council
Five Myths About the General Assembly's State Budget
The General Assembly approved the second-largest budget in state history this week at $20.7 billion. Governor Sanford has until Tuesday to issue vetoes. This budget increases spending more than $700 million above the $19.97 billion the state spent this year.
The budget increases fees on businesses and taxpayers, directs money toward the government-driven "pyramids and pillars" economy, and dramatically increases federal control of state government. Legislative leaders have argued the state is in a severe crisis and that a quick influx of federal cash is the only way to avoid firing teachers and closing prisons. A closer look at the budget reveals that is not the case. Below are some of the myths about this year's state budget, and the truth behind them more
Five Myths About the General Assembly's State Budget
The General Assembly approved the second-largest budget in state history this week at $20.7 billion. Governor Sanford has until Tuesday to issue vetoes. This budget increases spending more than $700 million above the $19.97 billion the state spent this year.
The budget increases fees on businesses and taxpayers, directs money toward the government-driven "pyramids and pillars" economy, and dramatically increases federal control of state government. Legislative leaders have argued the state is in a severe crisis and that a quick influx of federal cash is the only way to avoid firing teachers and closing prisons. A closer look at the budget reveals that is not the case. Below are some of the myths about this year's state budget, and the truth behind them more
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Council Update
THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE FARMER’S MARKET – Beginning May 28th, the Farmer’s market will be open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
WEB SITE IMPROVEMENTS – Wes Funderberg continues to improve our City website, www.aiken.net. When you visit the homepage, you will see that a dropdown menu has been added to the Home, Residents, Business, Visitors, and Government bars at the top.
HOPELAND CONCERT SERIES – The Monday evening summer concerts have begun at Hopeland Gardens. The Aiken Standard usually publishes information in the Monday edition about the evening performance. Lisa Hall of the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department does an excellent job in coordinating these concerts.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE CONCEPT PLAN TO ALLOW TRAILERS AT 1310 EAST PINE LOG ROAD – The Boot, Bridles, and Britches store would like to revise their Concept Plan drawing to allow storage of up to three trailers behind their building. The trailers would be used to store hay and wood chips and would be parked no closer than 20 feet from the building.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CONCEPT PLAN FOR UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. University Health Services is asking for approval to build one 17,000 one-story building on their property on Silver Bluff Road. The building would be located close to Silver Bluff road. Since they are asking to build only one building, most of the traffic concerns discussed during their prior application have been significantly reduced. At last Council meeting, I again raised concerns about traffic at this location. Silver Bluff Road, without this project, will be at LOS F by 2015. Level of Service F describes operations with high delay values that often occur with over-saturation. Poor progression and long cycle lengths may also be major contributing causes to such delay levels. I assume that the phrase “high delay values” means highly congested traffic flow. No doubt the planned improvement at the intersection of Silver Bluff and Daugherty Road will help traffic at that intersection, but the fact remains that planned traffic along Silver Bluff Road will still be too congested. The Traffic Study also states that the intersection of Silver Bluff Road at Town Creek will be LOS E progressing to LOS F even without the University project. The traffic study assumes 1% growth.
EXPANSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STUDY AREA – At our recent joint meeting with the Planning Commission, we reviewed recommendations by the Planning Commission to expand the Comprehensive Plan Study Area. Generally, the City’s comprehensive plan area should match the City’s water district line unless there is good reason for a different boundary. They also felt that the Comprehensive Plan area should expand further to the east. This would include the water district area behind Rudy Mason parkway and a large portion of the area between Toolbeck Road and U. S. 78. I expect we will approve the recommendations of the Planning Commission although I am not comfortable with expanding into areas not currently controlled by the City without citizen input.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO SET THE MILLAGE RATE OF THE YEAR 2009-2010 – Every year the Council sets the millage rate. It has not increased in 21 consecutive years, assuming tonight’s approval to retain the current rate. This is largely caused by the steady growth the City of Aiken has experienced and excellent management of city funds. In fact over the years, the millage rate has reduced on five separate occasions including last year when it was reduced from 71 mills to the current 66 mills. This outstanding record has occurred despite recent revenue losses during these economic times and the loss of revenues from reduced telecommunication and vehicle taxes amounting to well over $1 million every year.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010 – Each year City Council adopts a budget for the City of Aiken representing the policies and goals for the city’s upcoming year. It should not surprise residents to know that we are facing difficult times. Our revenues are projected to be lower than last year with Building Permits down 55%, State revenues down 27%, Interest Earned on Investments down 73%, Vehicle Taxes down 11%, and Business License Fees down 8%. All of this represents a decrease of $1.8 million in revenue. Nonetheless, the City Manager has done an outstanding job of preparing a budget without recommending a tax increase at this time. Some programs have been reduced, hiring delayed, travel expenses reduced, and some maintenance items reduced. Capital purchases have been delayed saving $800,000 and $640,000 has been shifted from Reserve Funds. Depending on water usage, a rate increase may be imposed later in the year.
APPROVAL OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR SANITARY SEWER LINES AND EASEMENTS IN WOODSIDE PLANTATION – Council will consider accepting deeds of dedication for sewer lines and easements in Phase 3, Sections 8A, 9A, and 14 and Phase 4 Sections 1-6. Staff has recommended approval of this item.
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION AGENDA – At a recent joint meeting with the Planning Commission, Council agreed on the following Action Agenda for the Planning Commission:
1. Possible expansion of the Comprehensive Plan study area.
2. Open Space Element
3. Expand the Old Aiken Overlay to the northeast and northwest quadrants of the City
4. Evaluate the need for Zoning Ordinance amendments to possibly limit the intensity of development on large tracts in the horse-training and historic areas.
5. Possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding inoperable vehicles at commercial locations.
6. Review Old Aiken Master Plan status.
7. Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to address issues that have arisen since its adoption in 1999.
8. Review definition of “family” in the Zoning Ordinance.
MISCELLANEOUS – If you know someone who would like to receive this email, please ask them to send their email address to me at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com.
CITY WEB SITE LINK FOR MONDAY’S CITY COUNCIL AGENDA CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=104540.
WEB SITE IMPROVEMENTS – Wes Funderberg continues to improve our City website, www.aiken.net. When you visit the homepage, you will see that a dropdown menu has been added to the Home, Residents, Business, Visitors, and Government bars at the top.
HOPELAND CONCERT SERIES – The Monday evening summer concerts have begun at Hopeland Gardens. The Aiken Standard usually publishes information in the Monday edition about the evening performance. Lisa Hall of the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department does an excellent job in coordinating these concerts.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE CONCEPT PLAN TO ALLOW TRAILERS AT 1310 EAST PINE LOG ROAD – The Boot, Bridles, and Britches store would like to revise their Concept Plan drawing to allow storage of up to three trailers behind their building. The trailers would be used to store hay and wood chips and would be parked no closer than 20 feet from the building.
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CONCEPT PLAN FOR UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. University Health Services is asking for approval to build one 17,000 one-story building on their property on Silver Bluff Road. The building would be located close to Silver Bluff road. Since they are asking to build only one building, most of the traffic concerns discussed during their prior application have been significantly reduced. At last Council meeting, I again raised concerns about traffic at this location. Silver Bluff Road, without this project, will be at LOS F by 2015. Level of Service F describes operations with high delay values that often occur with over-saturation. Poor progression and long cycle lengths may also be major contributing causes to such delay levels. I assume that the phrase “high delay values” means highly congested traffic flow. No doubt the planned improvement at the intersection of Silver Bluff and Daugherty Road will help traffic at that intersection, but the fact remains that planned traffic along Silver Bluff Road will still be too congested. The Traffic Study also states that the intersection of Silver Bluff Road at Town Creek will be LOS E progressing to LOS F even without the University project. The traffic study assumes 1% growth.
EXPANSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STUDY AREA – At our recent joint meeting with the Planning Commission, we reviewed recommendations by the Planning Commission to expand the Comprehensive Plan Study Area. Generally, the City’s comprehensive plan area should match the City’s water district line unless there is good reason for a different boundary. They also felt that the Comprehensive Plan area should expand further to the east. This would include the water district area behind Rudy Mason parkway and a large portion of the area between Toolbeck Road and U. S. 78. I expect we will approve the recommendations of the Planning Commission although I am not comfortable with expanding into areas not currently controlled by the City without citizen input.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO SET THE MILLAGE RATE OF THE YEAR 2009-2010 – Every year the Council sets the millage rate. It has not increased in 21 consecutive years, assuming tonight’s approval to retain the current rate. This is largely caused by the steady growth the City of Aiken has experienced and excellent management of city funds. In fact over the years, the millage rate has reduced on five separate occasions including last year when it was reduced from 71 mills to the current 66 mills. This outstanding record has occurred despite recent revenue losses during these economic times and the loss of revenues from reduced telecommunication and vehicle taxes amounting to well over $1 million every year.
FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010 – Each year City Council adopts a budget for the City of Aiken representing the policies and goals for the city’s upcoming year. It should not surprise residents to know that we are facing difficult times. Our revenues are projected to be lower than last year with Building Permits down 55%, State revenues down 27%, Interest Earned on Investments down 73%, Vehicle Taxes down 11%, and Business License Fees down 8%. All of this represents a decrease of $1.8 million in revenue. Nonetheless, the City Manager has done an outstanding job of preparing a budget without recommending a tax increase at this time. Some programs have been reduced, hiring delayed, travel expenses reduced, and some maintenance items reduced. Capital purchases have been delayed saving $800,000 and $640,000 has been shifted from Reserve Funds. Depending on water usage, a rate increase may be imposed later in the year.
APPROVAL OF DEED OF DEDICATION FOR SANITARY SEWER LINES AND EASEMENTS IN WOODSIDE PLANTATION – Council will consider accepting deeds of dedication for sewer lines and easements in Phase 3, Sections 8A, 9A, and 14 and Phase 4 Sections 1-6. Staff has recommended approval of this item.
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION AGENDA – At a recent joint meeting with the Planning Commission, Council agreed on the following Action Agenda for the Planning Commission:
1. Possible expansion of the Comprehensive Plan study area.
2. Open Space Element
3. Expand the Old Aiken Overlay to the northeast and northwest quadrants of the City
4. Evaluate the need for Zoning Ordinance amendments to possibly limit the intensity of development on large tracts in the horse-training and historic areas.
5. Possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding inoperable vehicles at commercial locations.
6. Review Old Aiken Master Plan status.
7. Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance to address issues that have arisen since its adoption in 1999.
8. Review definition of “family” in the Zoning Ordinance.
MISCELLANEOUS – If you know someone who would like to receive this email, please ask them to send their email address to me at fastwalk1@gforcecable.com.
CITY WEB SITE LINK FOR MONDAY’S CITY COUNCIL AGENDA CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/weblink7/docview.aspx?id=104540.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Aiken Standard Accused of Cheap Shots
The following letter from Scott Singer appeared in the Aiken Standard today.
Quote
On numerous occasions the Standard has espoused the need for us to be civil and tolerant toward others and their point of views and to refrain from personal character attacks. Hence, I found the tone and tenor of today's (May 1)editorial regarding Mark Sanford's refusal to accept the stimulus money under the terms set forth by the Obama Administration to be extremely hypocritical and certainly not in keeping with this purported ideal.
I hope we can agree that reasonable people can draw different conclusions based on a set of facts and circumstances. I for one believe the unparalleled amount of debt we are rolling up as a Nation in the name of "stimulus" is the greatest threat to our long-term prosperity as a people, which if left unchecked will eventually destroy the economic and political fabric upon which America is built. You may disagree. But that makes neither one of us bad people.
To categorically attribute the Governor's position on the stimulus money as an effort "to stroke his 2012 Presidential aspirations..." is simply irresponsible. Need I remind you that this is the man who stepped down as U.S.
Congressman after six years because he said he believed in term limits; the millionaire who slept on a cot in his Congressional office and returned his housing allowance to the U.S. Treasury. Certainly you don't believe Sanford did these things way back in the early 90's in order to score political points. You may not like him, but Mark Sanford is the same man today that he has been throughout his public life; a true leader that does what he thinks is right rather than what is politically expedient.
It appears that in your zeal to support public education (certainly a worthy goal) you have resorted to cheap shots and even seem to be willing to trash the SC Constitution, which vests certain powers in the Office of the Governor.
Categorically dismissing the concerns of fiscal conservatives by attributing the Governor's actions to selfish motives does nothing to build trust and thus in the long run is counterproductive to your ultimate goal.
Quote
On numerous occasions the Standard has espoused the need for us to be civil and tolerant toward others and their point of views and to refrain from personal character attacks. Hence, I found the tone and tenor of today's (May 1)editorial regarding Mark Sanford's refusal to accept the stimulus money under the terms set forth by the Obama Administration to be extremely hypocritical and certainly not in keeping with this purported ideal.
I hope we can agree that reasonable people can draw different conclusions based on a set of facts and circumstances. I for one believe the unparalleled amount of debt we are rolling up as a Nation in the name of "stimulus" is the greatest threat to our long-term prosperity as a people, which if left unchecked will eventually destroy the economic and political fabric upon which America is built. You may disagree. But that makes neither one of us bad people.
To categorically attribute the Governor's position on the stimulus money as an effort "to stroke his 2012 Presidential aspirations..." is simply irresponsible. Need I remind you that this is the man who stepped down as U.S.
Congressman after six years because he said he believed in term limits; the millionaire who slept on a cot in his Congressional office and returned his housing allowance to the U.S. Treasury. Certainly you don't believe Sanford did these things way back in the early 90's in order to score political points. You may not like him, but Mark Sanford is the same man today that he has been throughout his public life; a true leader that does what he thinks is right rather than what is politically expedient.
It appears that in your zeal to support public education (certainly a worthy goal) you have resorted to cheap shots and even seem to be willing to trash the SC Constitution, which vests certain powers in the Office of the Governor.
Categorically dismissing the concerns of fiscal conservatives by attributing the Governor's actions to selfish motives does nothing to build trust and thus in the long run is counterproductive to your ultimate goal.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
100 Days of Obama by Jack Devine
Our local columnist has published another incisive column in the Aiken Standard .The first two paragraphs follow:
Quote
100 Days of Obama: Revealing - and Frightening
5/5/2009 12:31 AM
By JACK DEVINE
Columnist
Early this year, when I proposed to write this series of columns, I promised myself and the Standard that it would not be just a weekly Obama-bash. My intent was to look at issues from all sides, to find the substance behind the spin and to prompt thoughtful discourse. But I confess that as each week goes by I'm finding it harder and harder to find anything at all that I like about the direction our new administration is taking the country. There's a lot to be worried about.
I am writing this column on the 100th day of Mr. Obama's presidency, the traditional time for pundits' report cards on new presidents. Historically, it's too short a time for objective assessment - all presidents in recent memory, even Jimmy Carter, enjoyed high marks and strong public support at this point in their first terms. But in Obama's case, I think 100 days is a meaningful milestone. We knew so little about him going in, and now we know so much. more
Quote
100 Days of Obama: Revealing - and Frightening
5/5/2009 12:31 AM
By JACK DEVINE
Columnist
Early this year, when I proposed to write this series of columns, I promised myself and the Standard that it would not be just a weekly Obama-bash. My intent was to look at issues from all sides, to find the substance behind the spin and to prompt thoughtful discourse. But I confess that as each week goes by I'm finding it harder and harder to find anything at all that I like about the direction our new administration is taking the country. There's a lot to be worried about.
I am writing this column on the 100th day of Mr. Obama's presidency, the traditional time for pundits' report cards on new presidents. Historically, it's too short a time for objective assessment - all presidents in recent memory, even Jimmy Carter, enjoyed high marks and strong public support at this point in their first terms. But in Obama's case, I think 100 days is a meaningful milestone. We knew so little about him going in, and now we know so much. more
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