Reforming the deeply troubled Employment Security Commission is a top Republican Caucus agenda item for 2010. This week, The Greenville News and The Post and Courier voiced its support for pushing ahead with restructuring the agency.

For more on the Caucus' position on ESC Reform, click here.

From The Greenville News editorial:

"... any of the problems uncovered at the Employment Security Commission show an agency in trouble and in need of better leadership. Taken together, the problems are a scathing indictment of the ESC and its leadership model crafted by the state Legislature.

...

The Legislature is rushing through some changes aimed at eliminating some abuses with unemployment claims, such as allowing workers dismissed for serious offenses to draw unemployment benefits. The LAC report found that between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2009, the ESC paid approximately $171 million — or about 10 percent of the payments — to workers fired for cause.

This important state agency needs to be more accountable, more responsive and more reliable. It needs to be part of the governor’s Cabinet so the lines of accountability are short and taxpayers know who to hold responsible. Many reforms are needed at the ESC, but none are as important as putting it under the Governor’s Office and thus giving it a boss."

From The Post and Courier editorial:

"

The lack of competence at the Employment Security Commission has been matched only by the agency's lack of accountability. The ESC needs a strong hand to right its operations and make needed staff changes. The Legislature should provide the necessary accountability by putting the agency under the authority of the governor.

Two of the systemic reforms recommended by the Legislative Audit Council would shift the agency to the governor's Cabinet. Many legislators, including House Speaker Bobby Harrell, support a Cabinet plan.

So does the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, which represents the state's employers, who presumably will be required to refill the coffers of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund."