April 29, 2009

SC Senate to Sanford: Take the Money


Columbia, SC - The South Carolina State Senate adopted an amendment to the state budget today requiring Governor Mark Sanford to use South Carolina's portion of federal stimulus dollars on a 31 to 12 vote. Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III (D-Manning) and Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) issued the following statements:


"I applaud my colleagues in the state Senate for this vote. Governor Sanford has continued to waste time with his needless stall tactics on recovery dollars. This is one of the avenues we will use to get South Carolina tax dollars back in our state and get our economy moving again. Mark Sanford should recognize this vote for what it is - an outright rejection of his radical philosophy that has been crippling South Carolina for six years,' said Senator Land.


"We took a great step forward today. We need to be protecting and developing jobs. Instead the current leadership has forced us into the backseat of the national economic recovery while other states are in the driver's seat. I'm pleased that the state Senate included aspects of my plan to require the Governor to do what is right for the people of South Carolina," said Senator Sheheen.


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April 20, 2009

SC Senate Democrats Urge Quick Resolution of Stimulus Lawsuit

Columbia,SC - State Senate Democratic Leader John C. Land, III today called for a speedy resolution of the stimulus standoff that has delayed South Carolina's access to education and public safety funds. Land issued the following statement today after Attorney General Henry McMaster's decision not to contest a lawsuit over the stimulus funds.

"I hope the Supreme Court of South Carolina will take quick action in this matter. We cannot afford to wait much longer. While other states are already on the road to recovery, we've been stuck because of Mark Sanford's inaction. My hope is that the court will decide that the Legislature can bypass Sanford so thousands of teachers and police officers won't lose their jobs," said Land.

April 16, 2009

Sheheen Plan Gains Momentum

Republicans join effort to save teacher and law enforcement jobs

Columbia, SC - State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) announced today his plan to end the stimulus standoff has earned the support of two Republicans in the State Senate. Senators Luke Rankin (R-Myrtle Beach) and Jake Knotts (R-Lexington) have signed onto to the legislation that would require Gov. Mark Sanford to accept stimulus dollars for education and public safety.

"I'm grateful to have the support of my colleagues for this common sense plan to make sure our tax dollars are spent here at home and not in some other state,"said Sheheen.

Sheheen's plan would require Gov. Sanford to apply for the funds allocated to South Carolina by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money is needed to prevent layoffs within the education and law enforcement sectors. Senate Finance Committee officials have estimated between 3,000 to 6,000 teachers could lose their jobs if these funds are not made available to South Carolina.

"Despite Gov. Sanford's television ads and countless national press appearances, South Carolinians know what he is doing is hurting our state. I'm glad to put aside party labels and get to work to get our state moving forward,"said Knotts.

Senator Rankin said action needs to be taken sooner rather than later. "Horry County is already facing cuts to its schools' budgets. We need to step up and do what's right for our folks back home," said Rankin.

Sheheen's legislation is currently being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee. He is optimistic it will be sent to the full Senate for debate soon. He also hopes his proposal will be included in any plan the state Senate passes to end the ongoing stimulus standoff.

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