If that's true, then classes start Tuesday, when the state Legislature reconvenes in Columbia after winter break. A host of issues await, including Gov. Mark Sanford's proposal to cut income taxes by $205 million.

Sanford's plan would pay for half of that by raising the state's cigarette tax to 37 cents a pack, up from the nation's lowest at 7 cents a pack.

Among the lawmakers set to weigh in are three newcomers from the Rock Hill area: Reps. Carl Gullick, Dennis Moss and Mick Mulvaney. The Herald recently spoke with each.

Carl Gullick, Republican

District 48, covering Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie and northern Rock Hill

Profession: Governmental affairs consultant

Committee assignment: Education and Public Works

Most surprising to him about Columbia: How well-organized the House staff is. "When I got down here the first day, people I had never seen said, 'Hello, Mr. Gullick.' They're pretty much required to know who you are."

Best advice he's gotten: Attend as many receptions as possible and stay overnight in Columbia regularly, to be close to the decision-making process

What issue you'll hear him talk about this year: The need to fully fund public education in light of property tax reassesment. "The new law changes things dramatically. We've got to make sure the districts here are treated fairly."

Dennis Moss, Democrat

District 29, covering western York County and parts of Chester and Cherokee counties

Profession: Retired S.C. Highway Patrol sergeant

Committee assignment: Third vice-chairman on the Medical, Military and Municipal committee, better known as the "Three M," which deals with health care and military benefits for veterans.

Most surprising to him about Columbia: No big ones, except the friendliness of other legislators. "Working in state government for 25 years, I've been in and out of the state House before," he said.

Best advice he's gotten: Build relationships. "You can move up fast in the House. It's not about the seniority. It's about them seeing the leadership qualities in you."

What issue you'll hear him talk about this year: The need to fully fund public education and to make sure property tax reassessment doesn't negatively affect it.

Mick Mulvaney, Republican

District 45, covering northeastern York County and northern Lancaster County, including Indian Land

Profession: President of The Mulvaney Group, an Indian Land real estate firm

Committee assignments: Education and Public Works, which deals with schools and transportation, and Interstate Cooperation, which deals with relations between states.

Most surprising to him about Columbia: So far, the absence of partisanship. "I realize that's not going to last. (But) it does bode well."

Best advice he's gotten: Hard work is what you sets you apart, Speaker Bobby Harrell told him. "There's people here for the sake of being here," Mulvaney said. "I hope to establish myself as someone here to work."

What issue you'll hear him talk about this year: Statewide, the urgent need for workers' compensation reform. Locally, the need for better infrastructure to manage growth.