WHEREAS, in its 2001 regular session, the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina failed to pass a General Appropriations Act to provide for the continued operation of state government for the 2001-2002 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of South Carolina depend on the continued operation of state government for education, health care, public safety and other important governmental services; and

WHEREAS, the absence of a budget for the upcoming fiscal year is a matter requiring immediate action; and

WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 19 of the South Carolina Constitution states in pertinent part that: "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 Wednesday, June 20, 2001, at noon.