|
Web posted
Monday, February 23, 2004
|
 |
Herbkersman: Conservation Bank requires full deposit
By Bill Herbkersman
Special to the Carolina Morning News
From the House
In the rush of news last week, I neglected to mention that I spoke before the fine folks at the Coastal Conservation League. I was happy to report to them (and now to you) that in my many discussions with House Ways and Means Chairman Bobby Harrell, R- Charleston, the one thing on which we consistently agree is the absolute necessity to fully fund the Conservation Bank. This is also one of Governor Sanford's priorities as well.
Another of Gov. Sanford's priorities is to reduce the state income tax, to, among other things, increase our states attractiveness to businesses looking to relocate, as well as retirees seeking a place in the sun. The governor and his people have been making the rounds to persuade any doubters on this important issue. Right now, they have done the job and the House is solidly in support.
It is important to note that under the governor's proposal, the income tax will be scaled back only in those years of substantial economic growth. It should not, during the lean years, make our budgeting challenges any more daunting. As the details of this common sense idea become more widely circulated, I have no doubt that support will continue to grow.
One of the features of the governor's budget that is not garnering overwhelming support, at least locally, is the proposed cutback to the Clemson Extension Service. I hear you loud and clear on this one. When we do a rational cost/benefit analysis on this program, the former is way more than justified by the latter. If this one were up to me, we'd be looking elsewhere for places to cut the budget.
The Tattoo Bill is raising the debate temperature more than most of us expected, mainly on account of the complexity of the issue. While South Carolina is one of only two states to outlaw tattooing, there are good cases to be made on both sides of this issue. In the next week or two, we'll try to get the polling function of the web site, www.herbkersman.com, cranked up and get some data that I will be able to share with my colleagues in the House.
Lots of visitors this week. My good friend, Rob Dewig, was in town on municipal business. We also saw Mayor Rodney Cannon from Hardeeville and Mayor Tuten from Ridgeland, as well as Bea Jones, Brooks Willis, Grady Woods, and Shannon Matthews. From Hilton Head Island, we had Mayor Tom Peeples and his lovely wife Mary Ann. Also, their all-star town manager, Steve Riley.
It was also very good to see my friends Barbara Nielson and Judge Frank Simon. Judge Simon was up on Probate Court business hosted by the Beaufort County Delegation.
Although we are getting pretty busy with session at this time, we still need input and enjoy visits from the home folks. We are truly in this together. That's why it is called the House of Representatives.
Bill Herbkersman represents District 118 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He can be reached through his Web site at www.herbkersman.com or by telephone at 757-7900. He is assigned to the agriculture, natural resources and environmental affairs committees.
Other state lawmakers are:
Sen. Scott Richardson, R
District 46
52 North Calibogue Cay
Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29928
610 Gressette Bldg.
Columbia, SC 29202-0142
(803) 212-6040
SR1@scsenate.org
Committee assignments: banking and insurance, general, judiciary, rules and transportation.
Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney, D
District 45
P.O. Box 300
Ridgeland, S.C. 29936
613 Gressette Bldg.
Columbia, S.C. 29202
(803) 212-6056
CCP@scsenate.org
Committee assignments: agriculture and natural resources, corrections and penology, finance, medical affairs and transportation.
Rep. R. Thayer Rivers Jr., D
District 122
P.O. Box 104
Ridgeland, S.C. 29936
532D Blatt Bldg.
Columbia, S.C. 29211
(803) 734-3073
Committee assignment: judiciary.
Rep. JoAnne Gilham, R
District 123
21 Dune Lane
Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29928
326C Blatt Bldg.
Columbia, S.C. 29211-1867
(803) 734-2977
JG@scstatehouse.net
Committee assignment: education and public works and rules.
Rep. Catherine Ceips, R
District 124
1207 Bay St.
Beaufort, S.C. 29902
326A Blatt Bldg.
Columbia, S.C. 29211
(803) 734-3261
ceipsc@scstatehouse.net
Committee assignments: medical, military, public and municipal affairs.
Rep. Walter P. Lloyd, D
District 121
102 Rearden Lane
Walterboro, S.C. 29488
(home) 549-5026
(fax) 549-1281
(office) 549-7586
434C Blatt Bldg.
Columbia, S.C. 29211
(803) 549-5026
WPL@scstatehouse.net
Committee assignments: education and public works.
|
|
|
