By DAVID WILLIAMS
Anderson Independent-Mail
July 31, 2005

State Rep. Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca, said the past legislative session was "the single most productive in recent history."

He expects the next session to be just as busy and to include some familiar topics.

The 10-year House veteran and a former assistant majority leader was speaking to the Seneca Rotary Club and members of the Greater Seneca Area Chamber of Commerce recently about the legislative outlook.

Rep. Sandifer said relaxing the state’s blue laws to allow some stores to open Sunday mornings should not apply to Sunday alcohol sales. Sunday alcohol sales are barred unless approved by certain communities or districts that qualify because of tourist interests.

"No business would be forced to open on Sunday, and employees cannot be forced to work on Saturday or Sunday depending on their religious practices," Rep. Sandifer said.

Rep. Sandifer predicted Gov. Mark Sanford’s proposal for private education tax credits, known as "Put Parents In Charge," likely would return next year. Some view the measure as a way to improve South Carolina schools, while others argue it is taking taxpayers’ money out of the public system.

Rep. Sandifer said the reorganization of state government, with the transformation of the Secretary of State and Superintendent of Education from elected positions to appointments, also was likely.

Looking back on 2005, Mr. Sandifer said the new budget includes a $315 million increase in education spending and a $300-per-child increase in state spending, raising the state’s per child allotment to $2,290. Teacher salaries also received a $300 increase above the southeastern average, he said.

Mr. Sandifer also noted:
— Small business taxes were cut from 7 percent to 5 percent, the same major companies pay;
— A worker who is fired for using drugs is no longer eligible for unemployment benefits;
— Courts can sanction lawyers who file frivolous lawsuits;
— One hundred new Highway Patrol officers jobs are in the budget with 50 in training; and
— A same sex marriage amendment to the state constitution could be on the 2006 ballot

David Williams can be reached at (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at williamsde@IndependentMail.com.

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