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Published: Tuesday, Mar. 09, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Mar. 09, 2010 12:17 PM

State capitol report: House Dems push on for reform

In the three weeks since our last Capitol Report, the House Democrats have pressed forward with a number of initiatives directed toward reforming how government works, rebuilding our rural economies, and making South Carolina safer. During this time, we also enjoyed two noteworthy addresses to joint sessions of the House and Senate. The first was on Feb. 23 by the National Commander of the American Legion, Hon. Clarence Hill. The second was on Feb. 24, by Hon. Jean Hoefer Toal, the Chief Justice of South Carolina.

The most significant recent highlight of our activities on Thursday, March 4, when Democrats helped improve upon the economic development plans of the House leadership. The House of Representatives took up H. 4478, entitled the “South Carolina Economic Development Competitiveness Act of 2010.” The core of this bill consists of tax incentives for the growth of business in this state, with an emphasis on bringing in corporate headquarters and making investments in homegrown and renewable energy sources.

In a major coup, Democrats were able to delay the most costly revenue provisions, due to our continuing budget shortfalls. House Democrats, many of whom have been added as co-sponsors to the bill, have been working hard to push a positive agenda, adding provisions for green jobs, renewable resources, and accountability in bringing jobs to South Carolina. Many substantive improvements have been added to the bill by House Democrats. The bill passed second reading.

Here are some additional highlights from the week:

Making South Carolina Safer. We sent to the Senate a bill (H. 3585) that would make it illegal for people to own, operate, or sell a vehicle with a secret compartment.

Improving Access to Alternative Transportation. We sent to the Senate a bill (H. 4281) that clarified the definition of a moped, and to reduce barriers to licensure, to make ownership of fuel efficient mopeds easier.

Protecting Medical Rights. We sent to the Senate a bill (H. 3735) that would amend the “Ann S. Perdue Independent Autopsy Fairness Act” to provide written notification of the right to an autopsy to the family of a person who dies in the hospital, and to make this notification mandatory within 24 hours under certain circumstances.

Help Easing the Financial Burden of Medical Care. We sent to the Senate a bill (H. 4574) that would enable the “Family Medical Crisis Debt Relief Act” which would provide a suspension of financial obligations under contracts for 180 days in cases where a person or their family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness. The bill would also require that creditors subject to the law would not call debt collectors during this period.

Keeping Insurers from Discriminating Against Abuse Victims. We sent to the Senate a bill (H. 4198) that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people who have been, or are perceived to have been abused.

Increasing Energy Efficiency in Homes. We sent to the senate a bill (H. 4448) that allows energy companies to make loans to finance energy efficiency improvements for people’s houses. While keeping existing community action partnership initiatives, this measure increases homeowner access to funds used to insulate homes and add other efficiency improvements.

Greening Small Business. We introduced a bill (H. 4638) was introduced that would establish the “SC Small Business Micro Green Loan Program,” which would provide loans for green small business development.

Protecting History and Property. A bill (H. 4129) was introduced that would make it unlawful to trespass on someone’s land to discover or exploit an archaeological resource.

Making Workers’ Compensation Work Better. A bill (H. 4681) was introduced that increases workers’ compensation insurance coverage by sending a letter to remind employers who have failed to secure worker’s compensation insurance for 30 days, and delaying penalties during that period.

With our state suffering the worst economic recession in 75 years, more than 600,000 people out of work, and with a half billion dollar budget deficit, the people of South Carolina want lawmakers to focus on solving our systemic problems. The House Democratic Caucus continues to fight to give the working families of South Carolina the ethical, accountable, and jobs-oriented government they deserve.

Rep. Herbert Kirsh, represents S.C. House District 47, which includes parts of Lake Wylie. If you have a comment or opinion concerning this report, or other questions, call 803-734-3071 or 803-222-3701. For more information about these bills or other legislation under consideration by the General Assembly, visit scstatehouse.gov.