Band should read 58 days left

“This allows each party to elect their own candidate.”

Rep. Catherine Ceips, R-Beaufort, discussing a bill requiring voters to register by political party. The measure advanced to the House Judiciary Committee.

TODAY AT THE STATE HOUSE

For a complete list of legislative meetings, go to http://www.scstatehouse.net/ and click on the “meetings” link.

IN THE HOUSE: Convenes at 10 a.m. 9 a.m., 511 Blatt Building, Judiciary subcommittee discusses bill covering the use of deadly force against home invaders. 11 a.m., unveiling ceremony for the portrait of former House Speaker David Wilkins. A reception follows at noon.

IN THE SENATE: Convenes at 11 a.m. 9 a.m., 105 Gressette Building, Judiciary subcommittee reviews proposed changes in property tax assessments. 9:30 a.m., 207 Gressette Building, Medical Affairs subcommittee discusses training and experience requirements for vocational rehabilitation counselors.

THE DAILY BUZZ

Pity poor Alex Martin.

The Greenville County educator had the task as vice chairman of the Education Oversight Committee of sounding upbeat but realistic Wednesday about the state of academic progress in South Carolina public schools.

As Martin delivered the mixed-bag message about “Where We Are Now” at the State House, lawmakers walked by, summoned to work by a persistently ringing bell.

At the end of his remarks, an operative for the school choice group South Carolinians for Responsible Government was waiting with a retort scolding the EOC “and its leadership” for failing to embrace “real reform,” which it defines as tuition tax credits.

EOC chairman Bob Staton, a GOP candidate for state education superintendent, was not at the briefing. But his consultants were irked that the Responsible Government group was “obviously taking shots at Mr. Staton.”

SCHMOOZING

Where and from whom state lawmakers will be able to get free food and drinks today:

• Breakfast: 8 a.m., 221 Blatt Building, hosted by the S.C. Reach Out and Read Program

MORE ON THE WEB

What you can find online

• YGA Today, a midday look inside the State House, will be posted on http://www.thestate.com/ in the early afternoon each legislative day.

TRYING TO SNUFF OUT CIGARETTE TAX HIKE

A coalition of anti-tax groups and retailers took a pre-emptive stab at talk of raising cigarette taxes at a State House rally.

No bill has been introduced, but Don Weaver of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers said the state should not raise taxes with a budget surplus projected. In addition, Weaver said, North Carolina recently raised its tax, and South Carolina should wait to see how much more revenue is created by cross-border sales.

South Carolina’s 7-cent per-pack tax is the lowest in the nation. North Carolina, which had long been lowest, now levies 30 cents per pack. Georgia charges 37 cents. The national average is 92 cents per pack.

THEY WANT YOU

Rep. Thad Viers, R-Horry, will introduce a bill today requiring public colleges to allow military recruiters on campus or risk losing some state cash.

Viers’ bill is timely because of recent debate over a federal law requiring schools that receive federal funding to allow recruiters on campus, or risk losing those federal dollars.

Forty-four USC law school faculty members recently signed a letter supporting a national effort to overturn the federal rule, known as the Solomon Amendment. Faculty members say the Solomon Amendment violates their free speech rights.

Interim dean Philip Lacey said he is “not offended” by Viers’ proposal, but said the law school supports military recruiters’ ability to visit campus.

FILIBUSTER DONE

Senators voted 24-7 to break a filibuster that had stalled progress on a bill that limits local government power to force the removal of billboards.

The vote ended the filibuster Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter, resumed last week when the Legislature returned. He began the filibuster just before legislators left in June.

Members of the billboard industry say they need fair compensation when they are forced to remove signs. Leventis says the industry is asking local governments to pay too much by including future profits.

In other actions:

• Lawmakers in both chambers are advancing a plan to extend the life of First Steps, the state’s early childhood development program, to 2013.

• Parents cited for not having young children properly restrained in cars would face $150 fines under a bill that cleared the Senate Transportation Committee. The fine now is $25.

• A proposal to prevent utility companies from disconnecting service when it’s extremely hot or cold received final approval in the House. Customers still would have to pay their bills. The bill requires utilities to have written disconnection policies.