WHEREAS, the video gaming legislation pending before the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina is a matter of great importance to the citizens of this State; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly has been unable to agree on comprehensive video gaming legislation; and

WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 19 of the South Carolina Constitution states inter alia:

The Governor may on extraordinary occasions convene the General Assembly in extra session and,

WHEREAS, being mindful of the duties and responsibilities placed on me by the Constitution and laws of this State; and in determining that there exists an extraordinary occasion requiring me to convene the General Assembly in extra session prior to the next regular session of the General Assembly.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of South Carolina, and by the power vested in me by Article IV, Section 19 of the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, I hereby call an extra session of the General Assembly of South Carolina to convene at the State House in Columbia on Tuesday, June 29, 1999, at noon.