Caucus Press Release: A Dozen Unfortunate Vetoes
Jun 29, 2007
Speaker Robert W. "Bobby" Harrell
Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Foster
(803) 734-3125
fosterg@scstatehouse.net
A Dozen Unfortunate Vetoes
In a year when the Governor and the House had many victories together -- we passed record $221 million tax cuts ($21 million above the Governor's request), we exceeded the Governor's requests to deal with our state's unfunded liabilities by $50 million, we passed Workers' Comp reform and DOT reform, and many others -- and we tried to work closely with the Governor's office to put together a list of targeted vetoes.
Time and time again we have tried to work with Governor Sanford on improving our state. That included trying to work with him on a targeted veto list of government waste that could be sustained by this conservative body. When he sends a list that is too big, the ability to sustain them gets lost. A huge list creates alliances all around the House chamber from members who want to protect items in their area. Then, the real pork spending items get overridden and our state suffers.
The House ended up sustaining 15 vetoes, cutting $1.8 million of spending from this year's budget. Personally, I voted to sustain vetoes 66 times. We could have sustained many millions of dollars of vetoes and saved the taxpayers a lot of money, but when unfortunate vetoes like these following are done, it makes it almost impossible to do that.
I personally spent many hours and worked hard to reach an accord with the Governor's office, but, Governor Sanford decided to take a stance that weakens our chance to sustain his vetoes. We needed his help; we needed his cooperation in this effort. A "my way or the highway" attitude will not move South Carolina forward.
Out of the 243 vetoes, we have compiled this short list of 12 vetoes that took attention away from the real pork spending we could have eliminated from this budget. While this list could have easily included many more vetoes, we decided to list just a few to make the point.
Dozen Unfortunate Budget Vetoes
Veto 21 -- State Children's Health Insurance program (SCHIP's program)
Vetoing this item would keep 71,000 poor children from gaining access to health care.
Veto 64 -- Economic Development Organizations -- Department of Commerce
Vetoing this will hinder the job creating elements these Regional Economic Development Organizations provide for their areas.
Veto 108 -- Alcohol Enforcement Teams
This veto would pull a program aimed at preventing underage drinking and drunk driving
Veto 160 -- Children in Crisis -- Department of Social Services
This program serves sexually, mentally and physically abused children and works with DSS to find qualified foster care homes and permanent homes for abused children.
Veto 163 -- Children Advocacy -- Department of Social Services
This veto would pull services that would be provided therapy to physically and sexually abused children
Veto 113 -- Tourism Development
Vetoing this will take funding away that was to be used to help promote our state's number one industry, tourism.
Veto 45 -- National Board Certification for Teachers
Vetoing this would provide less funds to pay our teachers who achieve National Board Certification
Veto 24 -- Special Olympics -- Mental Retardation Family Support Programs
Funds Special Olympics programs for mentally handicapped and disabled children around our state.
Veto 90 -- Homeland Security Project
Vetoing this would prevent upgrades to the State House complex to protect it from potential terrorist attacks.
Veto 98, 105, 106 -- LightRail
Split up over three vetoes because this is a joint effort between Clemson, MUSC and USC. This is a major research and economic development tool used to advance our research and private industry activity from its efforts.
Veto 9 -- Engenuity SC
This funding goes to fund a National Hydrogen Association Convention to be held in South Carolina. A major economic development tool and alternative energy issue our state is leading our nation in. The University of South Carolina is holding this event since they have our country's only National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative for Fuel Cells
Veto 157 -- Camp Spearhead -- Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
This is funding for camp for mentally and physically challenged children. This adds to money already committed by the City of Greenville and Greenville County
And your Baker's Dozen Bonus Vetoes from S.656
LIFE and Palmetto Fellows scholarship enhancement
This bill gives an enhanced version of the scholarships to students majoring in math, science or engineering field. Supported by our business community to increase our workforce in high-tech job related fields.
Hydrogen Energy
This will provide incentives for hydrogen related companies to locate their headquarters in South Carolina. This is a major economic development tool to help our state remain at the forefront of a developing multi-trillion dollar industry.
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