By DAVID WILLIAMS
Independent-Mail
February 4, 2005

SENECA — State legislators from Oconee County described the pace of the current General Assembly session as "whirlwind" and "dead run" Friday at a breakfast in Seneca.

More than 75 members and guests of the Greater Seneca Chamber of Commerce heard from the lawmakers at the First Friday breakfast at the Fred P. Hamilton Career Center.

State Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, said he never thought he would see the turnaround in the state’s financial condition that has taken place during the past year.

"We have been able to pay off the $150 million owed to the state that has been hanging over us for the past two or three years," Sen. Alexander said. "South Carolina has also maintained its triple A credit rating because of the way it has dealt with the shortfalls."

Sen. Alexander and Reps. Bill Sandifer and Bill Whitmire updated the audience on several issues including Gov. Mark Sanford’s proposed income tax cut and a change from electing some state officers to having the governor appoint people to the positions.

Rep. Whitmire, R-Walhalla, now in his second term, said the income tax plan that passed the House this week reduces the tax from 7 percent to 4.75 percent in 10 years.

Rep. Whitmire also said he was looking forward to serving on the Education and Public Works committee and that he would support public education, but not some of the governor’s proposals, particularly tax credits that could be applied to private schools.

"The governor’s people know where I stand on public education," said Rep. Whitmire, a 30-year veteran of classroom teaching.

State Rep. Bill Sandier, R-Seneca, who has been a member of the House for 11 years and is a floor leader, said passing the income tax helps attract retirees.

"Retirees participate in our communities, they volunteer and they pay taxes," Rep. Sandifer said. "We are competing with Florida which has no income tax."

Also moving through the General Assembly is a proposal to do away with at least two constitutional offices, the Superintendent of Education and the Secretary of State.

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

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