WHEREAS, state law has traditionally provided the Governor with the authority to declare Christmas Eve a state holiday, and

WHEREAS, Section 63C.20 of the state Appropriations Act provides in part that:

Notwithstanding S.C. Code Section 53-5-20, and due to the December 25, 1999, holiday being observed on Friday, December 24, 1999, the Governor is hereby authorized to declare Thursday, December 23, 1999, as the Christmas Eve holiday for state government employees…. and,

WHEREAS, in previous years, state government employees have been granted three consecutive days off during the Christmas holiday season.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 63C.20 of the state Appropriations Act, I hereby declare Thursday, December 23, 1999, as the Christmas Eve holiday for state government employees.