Five House Republicans Named ‘Friend of the Taxpayer’
January 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
COLUMBIA – Five House Republicans received the ‘Friend of the Taxpayer’ award Wednesday from the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers’ president and founder Don Weaver.
The five were House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, Annette Young of Summerville, Nathan Ballentine of Richland County, Eric Bedingfield of Greenville, and Phil Shoopman of Greer.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Majority Leader Merrill. “Writing the state budget and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is our biggest responsibility. I count on this group to help me hold the line on out-of-control state spending and to lower taxes.”
President Weaver said: “Courageous leaders like these five legislators are consistent champions of the taxpayers and conservative fiscal policy. Not a legislative session goes by while proponents of big government propose more spending and tax increases on the people of South Carolina. We count on these legislators to hold the line.”
The five received the award for different reasons, but the House Republicans have been proactive in the past four years in slashing property taxes, cutting income taxes and eliminating the grocery tax. At the same time, the Republicans have fought off attempts to raise the gasoline tax.
“The state takes in enough hard-earned tax dollars,” Rep. Young said. “We heard repeated calls to raise the gasoline tax during last year’s Department of Transportation reform effort. Throwing new tax dollars at problems is not an effective way to solve anything.”
This year, the House Republicans are leading an effort to increase transparency in state spending by requiring legislators to put their names on any item not specifically requested by a state agency. Rep. Ballentine is working with House Speaker Bobby Harrell on the legislation.
“With the budget as big as it is in this state, it is important to watch how every tax dollar is spent,” Rep.
Ballentine said. “The earmark reform we will pass this year is a key effort to reign in wasteful projects that do little to help the people of our state.”
Reps. Bedingfield and Shoopman, two freshman legislators from Greenville County, have immediately made an impact in promoting conservative fiscal policies.
Rep. Bedingfield said: “House Republicans have worked for years to implement a state spending limit – and it is a key agenda item again this year. We will keep being proactive on this issue until the Senate works in the best interests of South Carolina.”
Rep. Shoopman said: “The taxpayers associations around the state are important to keeping conservative issues in front of the General Assembly, as well as helping conservative Republicans in the General Assembly. We thank them for their hard work and urge them to stay involved in the process.”
First in the South: It’s our turn now, y’all!
January 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The nation turns it’s eyes to the Palmetto State for the next 11 days as the Republicans vote this Saturday (Jan 19) for their nominee and a week later the Democrats choose their candidate (Jan 26).
Just last week, Myrtle Beach put on a show with the GOP debate and very soon they’re center stage again for the Democrats.
Regardless who you support, I encourage you to get out and have your voice heard.
Think about it. If thousands of voters in Michigan (mainly Democrats) can wait in line and vote “uncommitted”, can’t we Sandlappers get out and vote for our guy (or gal)?
On the Republican side, most folks believe South Carolina is McCain’s to lose but Huckabee should resonate well with evangelicals in our state. He’s backed by the Beasley name and the Campbell name. Those carry weight around here. Maybe Romney will see a bump from his win in Michigan? If you had to pick a darkhorse, many are saying former Senator Fred Thompson may surprise some folks. I actually thought he had one of his better performances at the Myrtle Beach debate last week but will that be enough to keep him alive in this very fluid race?
On the Democrat side, can John Edwards win here again? Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama appear to be leading but I think everything we’ve seen so far in Campaign 2008 leads us to believe there are always surprises around the corner.
One thing’s for sure (and it didn’t take a crystal ball to see this) “politics as usual” is at play. Anonymous attacks. Sign-stealing. Distortions on the airwaves. Sadly, as I have learned, politics isn’t like Sunday School.
CONSTITUENT SERVICE NIGHT - Monday, January 28th
January 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Continuing my desire to stay in touch and learn from the voters I represent, I’ll be holding my first Constituent Service Night of 2008 at 6pm on Monday, January 28th at Gatsbees in Irmo.
I hope you’ll stop by and share any ideas or ask any questions that are on your mind!
If you’ve never been to one of my Constiuent Service Nights, I encourage you to stop by. The setting is very casual. The forum is pretty much “Ask Anything” and if I don’t have the answers, I’ll get them for you. Generally we’ll share ideas and hear questions for about an hour. Stay as long as you’d like or email me questions ahead of time and I’ll share that night.
Past Constituent Service Nights have covered a range of topics from education, highways, property taxes, and even some local issues in our community where people feel I can assist our local officials.
Bring the kids, Gatsbee’s is a great place for the entire family!
Statehouse Report - January 12
January 12, 2008 | 1 Comment
The clock is ticking on the 2nd session of the 117th General Assembly as we returned to Columbia this week.
On Wednesday, the House Republican Caucus unveiled its agenda for 2008.
There are several major issues facing legislators this year that will impact the lives, jobs, and pocketbooks of all South Carolinians. We are still finalizing the text of the legislation for several of these issues, but here are the broad strokes of bills that will be debated this year in the South Carolina House.
Illegal Immigration. Congress’ inaction on this issue forces the state to take action. We have unveiled a package of reforms that will, among others, restrict illegal aliens’ access to public assistance, work to identify illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, and protect South Carolina’s legal workers. It’s my belief that this issue will be “the number two” issue behind this year’s State Budget Debate.
Stop Hidden Earmark Spending. Any item that is not specifically requested by a state agency for their budget must have a name and an explanation so the General Assembly knows what is being debated. As I’ve mentioned (since Day One of campaigning to serve you), this is a simple, common-sense approach to government. People demand and deserve more open government, particularly when it comes to how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. In addition to bills filed by Speaker Bobby Harrell, myself, and Representative Michael Thompson, I believe next week we’ll pass a House Rule that will immediately be used for budget debates this year. Read more
SCDOT - Thank you from House District 71!
January 12, 2008 | 1 Comment
Much has been written about the South Carolina Department of Transportation over the past few years.
Yes, I do believe we’ve made some improvements through “DOT Reform” passed last year; however, until those guys get the funding they need, they are pretty much just putting bandaids on broken bones throughout our state.In the past, you may recall I included a section on ROADS in my monthly COMMUNITY UPDATES. I soon learned it was that section that everyone paid attention to and the feedback I received led to several improvements in our area. Because of limited space on the updates (and the enormous amount of work getting done here), I had to remove ROADS about a year ago; but obviously remained in contact with the DOT.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that in just the past three years we’ve had much to be thankful for in our area in terms of improved roads, signals, and intersections. I recently asked the DOT to provide me a list so that we can see all that’s been done in a relatively short time.
Since January 2005, our community has had over 90 miles of road either repatched, resurfaced, or improved (shoulders, widening, sidewalks, signals, signs, etc).
Here are some highlights: Read more
H. 4451 -Illegal Immigrants and Education
January 11, 2008 | 6 Comments
Here’s “Education Reform” I think we all can agree on.
Do students here in our country illegally deserve access to our tax dollars to help with their college education?
Simply put, this bill makes certain that anyone “not lawfully present” in our state will not receive state assitance for their higher education.
I have to admit. Even though I serve on the Education and Public Works committee, I was not sure if our state was allowing illegal residents to use your tax dollars for their education. I can’t remember which Presidential Debate first brought this to my attention but when I learned one candidate had allowed illegal immigrants in his state to receive in-state tuiton and tax funded scholarships, I turned to my wife and asked “Wonder if we allow that here in SC?” (Note: I’m not going to link to that candidate. I don’t feel that is appropriate).
After having staff research this, we determined clarifying language should be used to close any loopholes.
There are currently several bills in the House and Senate dealing with illegal immigration and the impact it has on our state. It’s my hope H.4451 will become law on it’s own or through the inclusion (amendment, etc) in other legislation that makes it to the House and Senate chambers this year.
Am I wrong here? Please let me know your thoughts.
Richland County Republican Changes
January 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Just three years ago, you gave me a chance to make a difference and bring about reform in state government and also add a much higher level of constituent service to our community. I appreciate the honor and every day I look forward to improving our state and keeping you informed about what is going on.
Tomorrow we return to Columbia to begin what will be my fourth year as a member of the South Carolina House of Represenatives. In this short time, there have been several elected officials come and go. Some lose their re-election efforts. Some retire. Some choose to return to private life.
Today, Representative Bill Cotty (R-Richland) announced he will not file for re-election. This decision leaves Richland County with only one elected Republican House member with more than two terms of service in our state: Jim Harrison - Chairman, House Judiciary Committee.
Bill Cotty has served his constituents well. He’s been a staunch supporter of our public schools and I will most remember him for leading the fight for the Property Tax Relief Act we passed last year. His absence and knowledge will not only leave a void for Richland County on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, it will also leave a void in Richland County government - particularly from the Republican side. This means that the two other House Republicans from Richland and I will need to do even more to keep the Midlands are well represented.
Rep. Harrison has the most tenure of our Republican House delegation in Richland County; but look for Rep. Joan Brady (also elected 2004) and me to work even harder than before when issues become “territorial”. While every official serves the entire state, there are several instances where it still feels there are geographical undercurrents to certain votes: the Upstate, the Midlands, the Coast.
Of course, there are others who represent Richland County too. The Democrats on the delegation are: Leon Howard - Chairman of 3M Committee, John Scott, Joe Neal, Todd Rutherford, Jimmy Bales and James Smith.
I’d like everyone in our state to continue to share your ideas/suggestions with me about state government. The readership of this site has grown far outside of just House District 71 here in Irmo, Chapin, Dutch Fork, Ballentine area!
I need to hear from others throughout the community, region, and state in order to continue to make a positive difference.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in Columbia! For those in the community, please check your mailbox over the next two weeks for this year’s Constituent Survey. I need to continue to hear from you in order to do my job better!
The Divided States of America?
January 2, 2008 | 1 Comment
This really comes as no suprise and with Presidential Politics kicking off tomorrow with the Iowa Caucuses, I find this latest poll on partisan trends interesting and wanted to share with you.
A quick google search takes it a step further and led me to these interesting maps that provide more insight into the split in our country.
Close races and other blowouts (see 1974,1980, 1984) are interesting to see and if you spend a few minutes at this other site you can soon realize how most states are pretty constant. They’re red or they’re blue - consistently over time. When it comes to the General Election, it’s those coveted purple/”swing states” that end up making the difference.
Don’t forget to check out 1948 where Strom Thurmond captured four states. Not many - but Mondale and McGovern would have loved to carry four!
The Blog World - growing by the day
January 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment
For many the term “blog” is a foreign concept. For millions this political season, it’s a must-see, must-have to stay up-to-date on the latest that’s going on.
Probably the most popular national blog for politics is The Drudge Report. It’s a national blog that primarily sticks to politics but occasionally has some general entertainment reporting ala Entertainment Tonight, etc.
In this state there’s a growing wave of blogs that pop up almost daily. Ones that have been a round a while are SC Hotline (which also includes articles from several newspapers throughout the state), FITS News (which throws in a good bit of “entertainment” discussion and is not only informative but oftentime irrerverant), and The Shot (similar to SC Hotline with lots of coverage on the Presidential races).
Another one rising in popularilty is The Blogland of Earl Capps. Earl is from the Lowcountry and where other bloggers add entertainment discussions, his niche is in the musical industry. I’ve traded emails with Earl recently and was honored to be his first elected official spotlighted in 2008!
With more blogs to list than space allows, I do want to add a few others that get readership locally as well as throughout our State: The Palmetto Scoop, Brad Warthen’s Blog, and Doing the First Amendment.
You’ll find that often time these bloggers are onto stories long before the Main Stream Media gets ahold of the news. Maybe one day, they’ll get press credentials too?
COMMUNITY UPDATE: January 2008
January 1, 2008 | 5 Comments
Here’s this month’s regular update to keep you informed of what’s going on in the State House and in our community!
If you have events you’d like me to share on the site, please email me at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net and be sure to put the word CONSTITUENT in the subject line so that I can reply to your email before the hundreds of others I receive daily.
STATE HOUSE
Next Tuesday, we’ll return to Columbia for the last year in this legislative session. Up first in the House will be any rules changes and the election to fill two vacant spots on the Ethics Committee. As you know from last month’s update, I am a candidate for this very important committee and look forward to hopefully serving in this capacity.
I’ll be very busy this year serving again on the House Education and Public Works Committee, in addition to the Joint Transportation Review Committee (House and Senate members), and the Education Finance Act Study Committee (House members only). Since day one I’ve kept an Open Door Policy and I’ll continue to keep extended office hours every Friday morning if you’d like to personally meet but could not schedule a time Tuesday through Thursday when we’re in session.
PLEASE be on the lookout for another CONSTITUENT SURVEY from me in the next few weeks. I want to find out how you think we can better reform state government and what ideas and suggestions you have on improving our state.
YOUR MONEY
By now, you’ve received your property tax notice (both Richland and Lexington County constituents) and I appreciate the many calls of “thanks” I’ve received. What you may not realize though is that soon your mortgage company should be sending you an Escrow Analysis Statement (if you escrow your property taxes) and that will be even more good news. You can read more from this article in The State.
COMMUNITY
Both the SC Republican Presidential Primary and the SC Democratic Presidential Primary will take place this month. Regardless of your party or your candidate preference, I encourage you to have your voice heard. The Republican Primary is January 19th. The following week, January 26th, is the Democratic Primary.
The Ballentine Incorporation efforts continue as the measure will be on the ballot soon! Visit the Ballentine-Dutch Fork Civic Association website for more information. Again, whether you are for or against the proposal, please take time to vote. There will be another informational meeting on incorporation January 5th and a regularly schedule BDFCA meeting on the 7th.
The Irmo Little League is holding Spring Registration each Saturday this month at Friarsgate Park. This season will be the first with new sidewalks at the park!
A Gang Awareness Seminar will be held at Ballentine Park on January 22nd. If you think we don’t have gang members in our community, think again.
The Annual Irmo Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Gala will be held at the Radisson the evening of January 26th beginning at 6:30 p.m. Contact the Chamber for more information.
SCHOOLS
Twenty-three teachers in Lexington/Richland Five were among the 650 teachers in South Carolina to earn National Board Certification in 2007. Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is the highest credential available in the teaching profession. The process defines knowledge, skills and accomplishments that add up to teaching experience. District Five teachers receiving certification in 2007 include: Laura Adair, Irmo Elementary; Shannon Allonier, Chapin Middle; Gregory Bates, River Springs Elementary; Renee Bosco, Chapin Middle: Sonya Archie, Dutch Fork Middle; Julia Bussells, CrossRoads Middle; Lori Calhoun, CrossRoads Middle; Johnny Cooley, Irmo Middle; Angela Cox, Chapin Elementary; Kristina Debenport, CrossRoads Middle; Sandra Dickert, Irmo High; James Fanning, Irmo Middle; Barbara Frederick, H. E. Corley Elementary; Linda Fuller, Chapin Middle; Peggy Ardrey, Ballentine Elementary; Leon Hogan, Dutch Fork High; Lisa Larmon, Lake Murray Elementary; Laurie O’Kelly, CrossRoads Middle; Dawn Oswalt, Oak Pointe Elementary; Nancy Owen, Irmo High; Jennie Goforth, Ballentine Elementary; Janet Preston-Mack, Dutch Fork Elementary; Derrick Price, Chapin Middle; Sarah Gams, Chapin Middle; Carolyn Searles, Irmo High; Beth Tester, Ballentine Elementary; Shannon Toole, Ballentine Elementary; and Denise Tweito, Irmo Middle.
The Dutch Fork HS Boys’ Soccer Team (Coach Wayne Quinlan) won its 6th straight National Team Academic Award from the National Soccer Coaches Assn of America. No school in SC has won more and the only other school with 6 awards is a magnet school. Additionally, their team GPA was highest in D5. The award is based on last year’s GPA (3.7). The Chapin HS Boys’ Soccer Team (Coach: Dick Hiller) also received the award with a GPA of 3.56. Both the Irmo High School Boys’ (Coach: Phil Savitz) and Girls’ Soccer Team (Coach: Mike Mauldin) were recognized with GPAs of 3.54 and 3.86 respectively.
The School District Five Board of Trustees will hold a public forum prior to their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 14. The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Chapin Elementary. The community is invited to use this forum as an opportunity to share ideas on how the district can address present and future facility needs and the shortage of classroom space. The public forum will be informal. Individuals who wish to speak will not be held to time limits; however, every effort will be made to ensure that all who wish to speak have an opportunity to do so.
THANK YOU
Thanks again for visiting the site! Please let your friends and neighbors know about it so that they can stay as informed as possible.
As you can see, I try to write often and regularly update photos from our community as well as videos.
You have given me a great honor by choosing me to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives and I remain as committed as ever to staying in touch. Please contact my office, 734-2969, or email me at BallentineN@scstatehouse.net anytime I can be of service to you or your family.
I hope 2008 is the best year yet for you, your family, and our community!
Nathan Ballentine
www.nathanballentine.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320A Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221