Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2010
Contact: Greg Foster
(803) 734-3125
gregfoster@schouse.gov
House Furloughs Save Taxpayers $150,000+
Long session shortened; Members return after 3rd furlough week
(Columbia, SC) - Today, the South Carolina House of Representatives returned to the State House following a 2-week Easter Holiday furlough of House members. In taking this leave, the House has now taken a total of 3 furlough weeks, saving taxpayers more than $150,000. South Carolina has one of the longest Legislative sessions in the country, leaving lawmakers ample time to address issues this year.
“By furloughing members and implementing numerous cost-saving measures, the House has saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars this year,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. “During these difficult budget times, government must cut costs and find new ways to operate more efficiently. These deep budget cuts have affected all aspects of state government causing agencies to rethink the way they operate. With the goal of providing core services at a better cost, the House is leading by example, exploring all options in the pursuit of a better, more cost-efficient government.”
Harrell added, “After spending some valuable time with their families this Easter Holiday, House members are eager to get back to work and tackle the important issues facing our state. There is still much we can accomplish this year and we’re ready to get to work moving South Carolina forward.”
Just a few of the issues still facing the General Assembly this session are: Voter ID, Sentencing Reform, Business Tort Reform, Economic Development Competitiveness Act, and a crucial Veto override decision on Warrantless Searches for Parolees - a bill supported by our state’s law enforcement officers but opposed by the ACLU and Governor Sanford.
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