Public Policy Update
Ok, so a lot has happened since our great Public Policy Day earlier in the month.
The Budget is still a the of top of the agenda. Having passed the House its being debated in the Senate at the moment. Amendments and provisos are being considered and the Senators hope to have finished debate next week. To read the full text of the bill (H3700) or to review the provisos go to : http://www.scstatehouse.gov/
The Senate is anxious to finish the Budget because the once-in-a-decade process of redistricting has been waiting in the ranks. Since the 2010 census was completed and new numbers are on the books members of the House and Senate will soon re-draw district lines, directly affecting the number of seats available in each chamber.
A quick run down on some interesting bills:
S434, deals with removing restrictions of DHHS concerning the reduction rates paid to medicaid providers for the FY2011. This was a very controversial bill, but it ended up passing both chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Haley on April April 6th with hopes that it will help the new director Tony Keck balance the huge DHHS deficit.
S 414, known as the "School Choice" bill, would have given tax credits to those choosing to send their children to private schools- instead of public. On April 20th, it failed to pass the Senate Education Committee...meaning it will suffer the fate of many that have gone before it...DIC. Died in Committee.
S445 would end the requirement of DHEC to notifiy school officials when a student has tested positive for HIV/AIDS, or STDs. Proponents of the bill believe it would address the fear some students have about getting tested. This bill has already passed the Senate and just received a favorable report from the House Military, Medical, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee (known to insiders as the "3M" committee). It is on the calender for debate in the House on May 3rd.
Did you hear anything about the Amazon or Voter ID debates? Email me your opinions or if you have any questions! caitiln.carey17@gmail.com
Some interesting things should be happening in the Senate soon with the Budget, and definitely sparks will fly when it comes to redistricting. Ill keep you posted!
Caitlin Carey, Public Policy Intern