House Speaker Jay Lucas (R-Darlington) issued the following statement in response to South Carolina Governor Nikki R. Haley’s State of the State address. “Tonight, Governor Haley showed sincere optimism for a better South Carolina,” said Speaker Lucas. “I echo her enthusiasm and look forward to working with her this year as we move South Carolina forward. “Governor Haley has done a tremendous job bringing jobs to the Palmetto State and keeping them here,” Speaker Jay Lucas continued. “Education reform and infrastructure repairs are two of the most challenging economic issues we face. I am encouraged by the Governor’s desire to devote further resources to workforce training so that our students receive the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century. Fixing our crumbling roads system is also tremendously important as it directly impacts economic development, which leads to job creation and higher wages.” Speaker Lucas announced the formation of a one-of-a-kind task force yesterday that is comprised of experienced educators, prominent private sector job creators, and key elected officials. This group, led by Chairwoman Rita Allison (District 36-Spartanburg), is responsible for submitting a report to the Speaker by the beginning of the next legislative session that provides necessary, substantial education reforms. Speaker Lucas also created the House Transportation Infrastructure and Management Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Representative Gary Simrill (District 46-York), which has been thoroughly investigating Department of Transportation reform since September. The group continues to meet and is expected to reveal a plan within the next few weeks. “As the House continues our charge to restore South Carolinians’ trust in elected officials, we will continue to work with Governor Haley to make comprehensive, transparent ethics reforms become law,” Speaker Lucas stated. Speaker Lucas created an additional ad hoc committee to comprehensively study ethics reform. The House Ethics Ad Hoc Committee has produced nineteen bills that will be included in an extensive ethics reform package. Legislation to address campaign finance – including banning so-called “leadership PACS” and establishing independent investigations – was voted out of committee earlier this week and will be debated on the House floor soon.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:54:30 +0000
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