Public Policy Update

Ok so last week was all about the Budget, or it was suppose to be! The House passed it late Wednesday night and then the House went on furlough.

Right now the budget bill (H3700) is being looked over in the Senate committees. It will be debated in the Senate in a few weeks. For specifics on the budget, check out this cool link. It's from the House and Ways committee itself--and was used by them to present the budget to the other committees in the House. I'm a graphs and charts person, so I was nerdily into this!
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/citizensinterestpage/Ways&MeansMeetingHandou...

The House has remained on furlough all week, so not much has come out of them. However, on the Senate side, one thing to note is the funding of Charter Schools. This controversial bill that would reform the way that the school district funds Charter Schools passed the House and now is looking like it will make its way through the Senate. We'll keep an eye on it. Heres the link for the full text of the bill:  http://www.scstatehouse.gov/cgi-bin/web_bh10.exe

Sadly, S256 (charitable raffles) didn't get a hearing on the floor. We were really hoping there would be promising movement on this legislation, but it looks like we'll have to play the waiting game!

I'm really looking forward to two important dates coming up: March 31st and April 6th. On March 31st, the folks from United Way of Greenville County are coming to Columbia for their Agency Advocacy Education Day. Volunteers from their agencies will get a chance to meet with their delegation, conduct paige calls, and even be recognized in the Gallery of the Senate! And on April 6th, United Ways, Board Members, and volunteers from all around the state will be meeting at the State House for the UWASC Public Policy Day. On this day everyone will get a chance to sit down with their legislator in one-on-one meetings and discuss the UWASC Policy Agenda. These days should be alot of fun, and great way to do good things for United Ways here in South Carolina

For more info on stuff going on at the State House or to read up on legislation visit www.scstatehouse.gov. Its a great website! And you can watch both chambers live while theyre in session!

Hope to see you at the State House on April 6th! Email me for more information at Caitlin.carey17@gmail.com.

Caitlin Carey
UWASC Public Policy Intern