It's my pleasure to be here today. Thank you for coming.

As Lieutenant Governor I think it is time to take the brakes off "Illegal Per Se" legislation in the South Carolina State Senate.

Last week, after a motion from Senator Wes Hayes, this bill was placed on special order and afforded a higher priority on the Senate calendar. This was great news for anyone who has fought against drunk driving.

However, just yesterday, the Senate adjourned after only ten minutes in session. It was one of the shortest sessions I can ever recall.

As such, little if any Senate business was conducted -- and the illegal per se bill was not even discussed.

As far as I am concerned that’s just not good enough.

It is time for the Senate to get back to work for the citizens of South Carolina and for the innocent victims of drunk driving crashes.

As Harold indicated, when enacted, "Illegal Per Se" is projected to save at least twenty lives a year in South Carolina. We can not let these families down.

Because the longer our legislature waits, the more dangerous are roads become.

48 states already have similar laws, but after 15 years of no vote in the South Carolina General Assembly – it is time our lawmakers and Governor step up to the plate.

Because the families of the victims of drunk driving crashes deserve better.

And they certainly deserve more than just ten minutes.

Thank you.