“We’re making sure we can tell the world that just in case the federal government doesn’t or can’t fulfill funding, then South Carolina will,” said state Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau.

The move is an attempt to make sure the state’s largest port, a major state economic driver, can accommodate bigger cargo ships expected to follow the completion of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014.

There’s concern from some South Carolina elected officials that the national fiscal climate could lead the federal government to not provide its $120 million share of the estimated $300 million Charleston port-deepening project.

The bill, introduced by Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, is intended as backup.

“I just think (the deepening) is so crucial to the future of our state,” he said.

“We’re going to (deepen) our port with or without the help of the federal government.”

Leatherman said that while passage of the bill would authorize the use of state capital-improvement bonds, they wouldn’t be issued unless the federal government doesn’t fund its portion of the port deepening.

The deepening project is in an early study phase that could be complete in two years.

The House budget for next fiscal year passed last month included $180 million in state funding for the deepening work.

Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, was the only member of the Senate Finance Committee to vote against the bill and said he will issue a minority report noting his opposition.

Bryant said he doesn’t want the state to take on additional debt.

State budget advisers estimate that issuing the bonds would cost the state $11.2 million for the term of the bonds.

But state debt payments are expected to decline for the next five fiscal years, so the impact on the state budget is likely to be neutral, the advisers said.

That’s because the new debt payments that would accompany the issuance of port-deepening bonds would be absorbed by the declining debt service and other savings.

The advisers noted issuing the bonds would, however, slow the rate of decline of state debt service.

Minority reports like the one Bryant said he will file often stall progress on bills because two-thirds of the Senate must vote to override such a report before debate can begin in the chamber.

The bill already has 26 of the state’s 46 senators as sponsors, but Leatherman said he’ll try to work with Bryant to resolve his concerns before seeking a vote to override his opposition.

Leatherman’s measure also would allow the state to issue up to $18.5 million in bonds to dredge the Georgetown port.

The deadline to pass the bill and get it to the House is May 1.

Source: Post and Courier

The measure approved by the Senate Finance Committee would authorize the state to issue bonds to cover the federal government’s share of the estimated $300 million dredging project, if necessary. Senators said it’s about assuring businesses that South Carolina will be able to accommodate the super-size ships expected regularly on the East Coast in 2014 after the widening of the Panama Canal.

The Charleston port has lost import and export business to its closest and fiercest competitor – Savannah, Ga. – over the last few years, and the state can’t afford to lose more, said Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman, the bill’s main sponsor.

“This is so crucial to the future of our state,” said Leatherman, R-Florence.

The House’s proposed $6.5 billion budget for 2012-13 already sets aside $180 million to fund the state’s share.

Sen. Larry Grooms said the state needs to assure companies the project will proceed, no matter what happens with the federal budget. It’s about marketing the port’s future capabilities amid the project’s study phase, while Savannah gears up for construction, he said.

“If we can’t complete the mission and give confidence to the international community that we will be the place for the South Atlantic market, capital will flow elsewhere and the jobs will flow elsewhere,” said Grooms, R-Bonneau. “We want our Ports Authority to be able to show the money’s in hand.”

The feasibility study for Charleston is set for completion in late 2014 at the earliest. Construction is set for completion in 2020, up from the initial federal timetable of 2024, said Ports Authority spokeswoman Allison Skipper.

But removing the funding question could further speed up the project and send a “very clear message” of state commitment to the port’s future, she said.

The state could pay up front, then seek reimbursement on the federal share, she said.

The state hasn’t issued capital improvement bonds since 2000. The port bonds, if issued, would not add to the budget, due to declining debt payments and refinancing by the treasurer’s office. But the additional debt would mean payments would not decline as rapidly, according to state budget advisors.

The total state debt, as funded through the state’s general fund and college tuition, is $1.86 billion. The state is spending $199 million this year to cover principal and interest payments – well below the legal limit of 5 percent of general fund revenue, according to the state treasurer’s office.

The bond bill is co-sponsored by 26 of the Senate’s now-45 members.

Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, cast the lone no vote. He warned senators he will hold up the measure on the floor.

“I can’t think of a more important project for the state of South Carolina,” he said. “I’m 100 percent in support of the first part of this bill. I don’t think we ought to cross our fingers and hope the feds follow through. But I’m 100 percent against borrowing.”

He said legislators should fund the project without adding to the state’s debt for the sake of future generations.

Sen. Billy O’Dell, R-Ware Shoals, threw the line back at him.

“This is more of a marketing technique. We could issue the bonds if we need to,” he said. “I think it’s wise because, in thinking of the future of our children and grandchildren, if we don’t have this method, their futures could be pretty dim.”

By 2014, officials expect there will be 1,200 mega-size ships worldwide that are bigger than what can currently fit through the Panama Canal, which can handle ships with a draft of 39 1/2 feet.
Charleston’s harbor is currently 45 feet at low tide, but the longer, deeper and wider ships draft up to 48 feet. The so-called Post-Panamax ships already are arriving in Charleston, at the rate of five a week, but are limited to a two-hour high-tide window, Skipper said.

The dredging project would deepen Charleston’s harbor to 50 feet.

That compares to a depth of 47 feet along the 38 miles of the Savannah River between Georgia’s port and the Atlantic Ocean, as called for in the Army Corps of Engineers’ final report last week. That project’s expected to cost $652 million.

As the nation’s fourth busiest container port, Savannah has the shallowest waterway of any major U.S. port.

South Carolina Ports Authority officials argue Charleston could become the premiere port for the Southeast as the region’s only Post-Panamax capable port not tidal restricted, able to handle two-way traffic 24 hours a day.

Source: Myrtle Beach Online

Longtime school choice advocate, Senator Larry Grooms, urges supporters to call their state senators immediately, in support of H. 4894. This legislation is the first school choice bill to pass the SC House, and now it is up for consideration in the Senate Finance committee. Parents deserve to see this issue decided in an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. Please call your state senator, or take a few moments to write them at www.mysclegislator.com

COLUMBIA — The State Senate unanimously voted to advance a resolution that makes it clear that only south Carolina representatives can spend South Carolina’s tax dollars. The resolution conclusively settles any remaining question that the Savannah River Maritime Commission not a bistate panel is solely responsible for handling state issues relating to dredging the Savannah River. The resolution also reaffirms South Carolina’s members on that panel cannot obligate South Carolina’s money for the river deepening unless a majority of South Carolina’s members vote for it.

The resolution restates that the state’s Savannah River Maritime Commission is responsible for all matters pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal, and related collateral issues in regard to the use of the Savannah River as a waterway for ocean-going container or commerce vessels. The move comes after the Joint Project Office (JPO), a GeorgiaSouth Carolina group charged with advancing a future bistate ocean cargo terminal in Jasper County, last month took steps to obligate public funds to assist in dredging the Savannah River for the Port of Savannah — not for a Jasper port.

Georgia officials are anxious to deepen the river and the Savannah Harbor to benefit the Georgia Ports Authority. The bistate JPO’s vote to use South Carolina funds passed without the support of a majority of the South Carolina members and without the concurrence of the Maritime Commission.

“The State Senate today stopped a robbery in progress,” says State Senator Larry Grooms, a member of the Maritime Commission and Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Georgia was caught red-handed, trying to reach into South Carolina taxpayers’ pockets.” Without the Senate vote, “Georgia gets our money to dredge their port and ruin our shared river, while South Carolina gets nothing but its law violated and the chance of a port at Jasper dashed. Why in the world should we help fund the cost of dredging all the way to the Savannah port and pay to dispose of their sludge?”

“Today’s resolution will help stop Georgia from raping our river and ripping off our taxpayers,” says Lt. Governor Glenn McConnell, who also serves on the Maritime Commission. “South Carolina’s money should be spent only with the approval of South Carolina’s JPO members — not the Georgians. Secondly, the resolution reaffirms that the bi-state project must comply with South Carolina law relating to dredging and sludge disposal matters on the Savannah River.”

The Senate vote comes as the Army Corps of Engineers dealt something of a blow to the Georgia Ports Authority. The GPA sought permission to dredge the Savannah River to 48 feet. In a nod to environmental concerns, the Corps today announced that the river could be deepened to just 47 feet.

That one foot difference is significant as East Coast ports race to dredge their harbors in preparation for a wider and deeper Panama Canal. A rule of thumb is that for each additional foot of depth, shippers can load on cargo vessels an additional 100 cargo containers. The Port of Charleston is seeking the go ahead for its plans to dredge to at least 50 feet.

The resolution needs a third and final reading in the Senate before heading to the House.

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First, the Senate Republican Caucus passed a bill that will pave the way for charter school expansion in South Carolina.

Charter schools are an important part of the educational system in South Carolina, giving educators the flexibility to create schools that best fit the needs of the local community. They are public schools, funded and overseen by the state.

We have many great public schools in South Carolina, but in order to compete nationally, we need to encourage innovation in education. But for too long, local districts have often stymied charter schools’ efforts to get going.

The Senate passed a bill to streamline many aspects of charter school creation and the admissions process. It also sets new, simpler guidelines for charter school governance, and it allows colleges and universities to voluntarily sponsor these institutions. All in all, we believe it will stimulate the growth of charter schools in South Carolina and remove administrative roadblocks for those already operating.

Second, we passed a bill to prevent workers fired for misconduct from collecting unemployment benefits – a move that could save the unemployment system $50 million per year.

The bill is aimed at protecting businesses from having to pay out benefits for workers fired under these circumstances. It also protects consumers by keeping costs low, and protects taxpayers at a time when the state is still working to pay back loans made to the unemployment trust fund.

The changes to current law are necessary because a state agency’s broad interpretation of the old law resulted in $50 million in benefits awarded to people fired for misconduct last year alone. The bill will strictly define how to deal with these types of claims, making it consistent with federal law, and eliminating these unjustified benefits.

Third, the Senate is working to pass a bill that would free South Carolina from provisions of Obamacare and allow the state to regulate healthcare decisions within its own borders.

While we hope the Supreme Court does the right thing and strikes down Obamacare, we cannot wait, and have decided to act now. However, Senate Democrats are currently throwing up some procedural roadblocks to the bill.

The bill would make South Carolina a part of an interstate compact, in which each state joining the compact would gain the right to bypass federal healthcare regulations and instead allow the states to make those decisions. It would effectively negate Obamacare regulations like the health rationing panel. Similar legislation has already been passed in six states, and has been fast-tracked in four others.

We at the Senate Republican Caucus hope you have a restful Spring Break, and a great Easter spent with family.

People often assume that the Lieutenant Governor’s office is one with authority second only to the governor, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Lieutenant Governor’s primary job is one of presiding over the Senate, while the President Pro Tempore post has far greater influence in setting and moving the Senate agenda and making appointments to various boards and other panels.

Because of this, Lieutenant Governor McConnell has been widely praised for giving up a far more powerful roll in order to become Lieutenant Governor, as prescribed by the state Constitution. While many people speculated on a hypothetical game of “musical chairs” that McConnell could have used to retain his former role, he instead simply decided to follow what was clearly laid out in the Constitution. For that, we join with many others across South Carolina in thanking him.

As well, the Senate held an election for a new Senate President Pro Tempore, choosing Senator John Courson of Columbia to fill that role. Senator Courson is a longtime Republican, being one of Ronald Reagan’s first prominent supporters in South Carolina. Please join us in also welcoming Senator Courson to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore.

In addition to the changes in leadership, the Senate began debate on the Charter Schools bill.

Charter schools are public schools that give educators the flexibility to create schools that best fit the needs of the local community. Unfortunately, local districts in an effort to avoid competing for funding, have often stymied charter schools’ efforts to get going. The Senate has a bill to streamline many aspects of charter school creation and the admissions process. We believe it will stimulate the growth of charter schools in South Carolina and remove administrative roadblocks for those already operating.

The Senate also tried to expedite consideration of a bill by Senator Lee Bright that would disallow unemployment benefits for people fired with cause or for misconduct. Too often, companies are forced to pay benefits for employees that were fired for good reason, something that costs taxpayers and consumers. Democrats blocked the consideration of this bill temporarily, but it isn’t dead and we hope to take it up later this session.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you in the state Senate. The Republican Caucus remains committed to looking after your tax dollars and promoting the conservative values of South Carolinians.

Members of the Senate Republican Caucus reacted to the override, and thanked their colleagues for their votes on the bill:

“Our agencies need to be looking out for South Carolina, not for the state of Georgia,” said Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler. “DHEC was wrong to issue this permit, and it was the legislature’s job to step in and right that wrong. We look forward to working with Governor Haley on any number of issues this session, but we just don’t see eye to eye on this one.”

“The governor’s veto of this resolution was just as off base as DHEC’s decision,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell. “This is not about separation of powers – it’s about reining in a rogue agency that wasn’t following science or the law. Our vote today is not only about protecting our port infrastructure and the environment; it’s about sending a message that state agencies are not free to disregard the law.”

“Georgia’s dredging plans, as approved by the DHEC board, kills the Jasper port. That approval by our own state board was a slap in the face to those who have worked so hard over the past five years to make that port a reality,” Senator Tom Davis said. “It boggles the mind to think the DHEC board would tell Georgia it was ok to dump its spoil on the Jasper port site until the year 2060, but that’s exactly what it did. Today’s action by the Senate represents a step toward trying to undo the damage.”

“Today it’s a great day in South Carolina. Rather than standing for the people of Georgia, the Senate unanimously voted to protect the interests of the people of South Carolina,” Senator Larry Grooms said.

Background: H.4627 is legislation affirming the Savannah River Maritime Commission’s authority to represent South Carolina in all matters pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal, and related collateral issues in regard to the use of the Savannah River as a waterway for ocean-going container or commerce vessels. The General Assembly earlier this month suspended the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s authority relating to these issues, in particular the approval by the department of the application of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a Construction in Navigable Waters Permit for the dredging of the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River, because the authority of the Savannah River Maritime Commission superseded the responsibilities of the department for such approval, and the approval by the department could present imminent and irreversible public health and environmental concerns for the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River.

(Senator Grooms is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and a member of the Savannah River Maritime Commission.)

January 16, 2011 – Berkeley, SC – Today, conservative Tea Party favorite, SC Senator Larry Grooms withdrew his support for Governor Rick Perry and urged the Governor to withdraw his candidacy for President of the United States.

“I was there when Governor Perry made his announcement in Charleston and had tremendously high hopes for a Perry Presidency. I still believe he would be a great national leader, but campaigns are tough and early mistakes and missed opportunities have taken their toll. Now is the time to get out and pass the baton to another leader that can take the message to the next level.”

“With only days to go before the South Carolina Primary, it is apparent that Governor Perry cannot win and has no viable strategy in moving forward. Remaining in the race at this point only serves to steer votes away from viable candidates.”

“The history of our primary teaches us that when conservatives split, big government wins. Now is the time for us to reevaluate our choices and coalesce around a single candidate.” Grooms points to the fact that Mike Huckabee may have been the Republican nominee four years ago if his candidate, Fred Thompson had withdrawn prior the SC Primary vote. “Thompson’s candidacy split off enough conservatives to ensure a McCain victory. I do not want to see history repeat itself.”

Senator Larry Grooms is recognized as a social and economic conservative and has received numerous leadership awards from groups such the Palmetto Family Research Council, SC Taxpayers Association and the SC Club for Growth. A champion of educational choice, fiscal and tax reform measures, Grooms is the author of the new SC Immigration Reform Law.

While a number of unlikely things would need to take place for the funding provision to take effect, South Carolina could be liable for more than $100 million for a project opponents say would harm the Port of Charleston and environment.

The funding issue stems from a 2008 bistate agreement to develop a new port on the South Carolina side of the river in Jasper County.

State Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, and others discussed the provision at a James Island meeting of the state’s Savannah River Maritime Commission, which voted to challenge the November dredging approval by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control board.

“It’s like DHEC stuck the knife in the back of South Carolina’s economy and environment, and now someone could twist it,” Grooms said Friday.

The dredging sought by the Georgia Ports Authority would increase the river’s depth to 48 feet, making the Garden City Terminal in Savannah more accessible to large container ships.

Georgia and South Carolina port officials disagree as to whether the dredging would help or harm prospects for the proposed Jasper port.

The commission, established to oversee Savannah River matters, said the DHEC board’s decision to OK the dredging plan was unlawful and improper, partially because the commission was left out of the process. Its challenge will go to an administrative law judge, joining one filed Thursday by the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Commission members agreed with environmental groups — and with DHEC staffers who had denied the Georgia permit before their decision was overturned — on several issues. They said the dredging would destroy rare freshwater wetlands; threaten the endangered shortnose sturgeon; and impair the river’s ability to support aquatic life such that machines would be required to pump air into the river.

The commission also issued a statement saying its greatest concern was that the deepening would not serve the planned bistate Jasper Ocean Terminal. While there are worries that the upriver dredging is deep enough to cause environmental harm, opponents also say the waterway wouldn’t be deep enough to serve the Jasper container port, nine miles closer to the ocean than Garden City.

An agreement to develop the new port includes a provision about South Carolina paying for half the dredging, up to the boundary of the 1,500-acre Jasper site. But for that to take effect, there would need to be a compact dealing with funding and operations, requiring the approval of lawmakers in both states and Congress.

The S.C. General Assembly previously passed resolutions opposing the dredging. Officials including Grooms and State Ports Authority Chief Executive Jim Newsome said this week that the Jasper deal needs to be renegotiated.

Courtesy of Post and Courier