Today, the much talked about “Texting While Driving Bill” received a full floor debate in the House and, in the end, passed by a vote of 98-18.

Of course, for those hoping to stop the problem, I don’t think they’ll be pleased to learn exactly what passed.

As I shared from the well of the House, today we passed a bill that (a) bans only one distraction but not others (b) does not allow for any evidence in court other than visual and (c) places a “whopping” $25 fine for penalty with no points on license or information shared with insurance. Of course proponents may be excited to learn this will be a PRIMARY offense on our roads.

Nevermind, we have several other offenses our depleted law enforcement ranks should be on the lookout for and nevermind that – even supporters of the bill admitted – it will be very hard to determine who is and who is not texting. That is, unless they are swerving or driving recklessly. Which brings me to the point opponents shared – don’t we already have reckless driving laws on the books ? Do we really think a $25 fine with no points or insurance implications is going to fix the problem?

I’m no libertarian; but to me and others I heard from, this bill just screams of more “nanny government” and “feel good” legislation rather than a law that could actually solve a real problem. That problem? Inattention behind the wheel. THAT’S the problem, folks. I even learned that back in high school because of my actions as a young driver that lead me to spend a day in defensive driving class to earn points back on my license. Inattention and distractions are the problem we face and it’s more than just texting.

Don’t get me wrong. Is texting while driving a bad thing? Yes. Are there other things we do while driving that are bad too? Yes. But apparently elected officials decided that those things aren’t the same as texting. You know..things like “talking on the phone”, “putting on or taking off clothes”, “eating”, “putting on makeup”, “shaving”, “lighting a cigarette/smoking”, “using GPS equipment”, “using iPods”, “having a laptop on”. Those distractions must apparently be ok because they were voted down during the debate.

In my brief speech, I mentioned how a lady is either pregnant or not pregnant. She’s not “kinda pregnant”. Likewise, a driver is either distracted or not distracted. Not “kinda distracted”. Today, we said we’re ok with being “kinda distracted”…just not texting.

Oh well. A state Senator told me the bill is DOA in the Senate; but I guess at least several House members can tout passing a bill that’s all-the-rage across our country and feel good about it in the process. It isn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last.

Here’s my statement for the House Journal :

As an active supporter of “Alive @25″ , including donating personal funds to pay for the inaugural class at Irmo High School, I am well aware of the risks each face driving on the roads of South Carolina. In particular, the risks to our youth (and by our youth), who do not have the years of experience that our adult drivers possess.

While most folks won’t start paying attention for a few more weeks (months), the 2010 campaign season has been in full swing for many Statewide and Federal offices.

The US Congressional candidates and Gubernatorial candidates are getting most the attention, but I’d like to bring to your attention two statewide candidates who call our community home: Kelly Payne and Morgan Reeves .

Ms. Payne (Republican) has her sights set on improving our children’s education in the state while Mr. Reeves (Independent) has his sights on being the chief exectuive officer of our state. Since both candidates live in House District 71, I want you to know when they are having events in our community so that you can attend and learn more about their candidacy.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 9th) , Kelly will have a Meet and Greet at The Cotton House from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. As of yet, I haven’t heard of any events for Morgan but when I do, I will pass along.

I know Kelly would love to see friends and neighbors stop by, as well as other members of our community who have not yet made their decision on whom to support for State Superintendent of Education. Several folks have told me they plan to attend my Meet and Greet for Nikki Haley at 6 p.m and after that (8pm) will head over to visit Kelly at the Cotton House (just a few miles away)

Since I plant to be at both, I hope to see you tomorrow night!

*** STATE HOUSE ***

We’ve almost completed two months of this year’s session and have passed several reforms in advance of the upcoming Budget Debate in two weeks. For a recap of each week in the House, simply click on the following Weekly Rewind links that I post every week: Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five, Week Six. (This week’s rewind will be posted Sunday)

*** YOUR MONEY ***

Monday, March 9th, the budget (as passed by the House Ways and Means Committee) will be on our desks for review. This will be the first chance all 124 House Members get to see the final version – before we begin full debate the following Monday, March 15th . One thing we shouldn’t have to worry about in this year’s budget are any hidden earmarks . Simply put, this year’s budget will be the “ugliest” our state has seen for many years. There are certainly no winners and there are several losers…specifically deep cuts to several agencies. When you’re faced with over $1 billion in revenue shortfall, every decision is critical.

The amendments are always interesting every year. Fortunately, I know of one amendment that is sure to pass: “fixing” cuts that were slated for DDSN . After that, it’s anyone’s guess what may change in the plan that has been worked on for months. Usually amendments RARELY pass. Obviously, there are many attempts to move funds or remove certain provisos (one year “instructions” tucked in the budget); but usually they all fail to muster enough votes to pass.

I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s my hope that my colleagues will further understand that when we ever see a “windfall” in revenues, we will be more responsible in our decisions and put the state’s interests ahead of bringing pork back to our districts. I’m actually impressed to see that in this session, there has been less focus on pet-projects and more discussions/debates over what the primary functions of state government should be.

What is very distrubing though is the thought about what will happen when we return in 2011 and the budget is no longer propped up by “stimulus funds”. We elected leaders need to focus daily on how to improve our economy, jobs and education in South Carolina.

*** COMMUNITY***

Tuesday, March 9th is a great opportunity for you and your family to Meet and Greet my good friend , and gubernatorial candidate, Nikki Haley at Wild Wing Cafe on Bower Parkway (off Harbison). I’ve asked Nikki to give our community this special chance to learn more about her and her vision for South Carolina in a up-close setting. For too long, our state has made the news for the wrong reasons. Nikki will be a breath of fresh air that will make our state proud with her common-sense approach to fix what continues to hold our state back. If you have not yet determined your candidate, I hope you’ll stop by. The Republican and Democratic primaries are only a few months away!

Speaking of great events in the area! I hope you’ll also join Karen and I next month (April 1, 2010) for the Innagural Keven Cohen Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Kick-Off Cruise aboard The Spirit of Lake Murray located at Dockside Marina in Balletine. The evening will consist of great food provided by The Melting Pot and Alodia’s as well as a live auction and a 3-hour cruise! For ticket purchases ($75 each) please contact Paul Jeter (803) 731-4060 or paul.jeter@lls.org. *** I’d like to point out that Keven is a member of our community, as are the owners of the Melting Pot, Alodias and the Spirit of Lake Murray. Let’s rally behind our community members and this great cause and raise money for a very deserving cause!

For those neighbors that live within the City of Columbia limits, don’t forget to vote for a new Mayor, April 6. There are several candidates, including my friend, Stephen Benjamin , whom I served with in the USC Senate as well as served as his chief-of-staff many years ago. Kirkman Finley , currently on City Council, is also running.

*** SCHOOLS ***

District Five will see several new leaders in our high schools (and on the football fields) next year. Irmo High will welcome Rob Weinkle as their principal in July; while Akil Ross has been named principal of Chapin High , also effective July. On the athletic fields, Dutch Fork’s football team will have it’s second Head Coach in the school’s history when Tommy Knotts takes over for retiring coach/AD Bill Kimrey. Meanwhile Chapin High is still in the process of finding a replacement for first-year coach Scott Earley who leaves after only one season to cross the dam to Lexington High School.

Chapin Middle will also have a new leader when Jane Crawford retires. Michael Lofton , currently asst. principal at Dutch Fork Middle, will make the short drive down 76 to become Chapin Middle’s new principal.

Congratulations to Stuart Hope and Nate Polley (both Chapin High wrestlers) on their 3A State Champion titles! Sutart (who went an incredible 52-0 in matches this year) was the 112-pound state champion and Nate wa the 130-pound chapmion. Irmo’s T.J. Dudley also is State Champion in the 171-pound division of 4A.

The Dutch Fork’s girls basketball team had a great run this season (21-6A) come to an end in the 4A Lower State Championship last week but I’m expecting even bigger things from the team next year!

** THANK YOU **

Thanks again for the privilege to return to Columbia and represent the Irmo/Chapin/Ballentine/Dutch Fork community! If you have events or people you’d like me to share with the community through Nathan’s News, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help!

I’m always eager to spend time with you at your Homeowners Association Meetings, Churches, and other civic events in the community! Let me know dates and times and I’ll work to be there!

Please contact my office, 734-2969, or contact me here through Nathan’s News anytime
I can help!

Nathan Ballentine
www.nathansnews.com
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland-Lexington Counties
320B Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221

I hope you’ll join me and others in the Midlands for a Meet and Greet with Nikki Haley on Tuesday, March 9th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wild Wing Cafe off Harbison Boulevard (1150 Bower Parkway)!

From the day I learned she would run for Governor, I have supported Nikki and am confident South Carolina will benefit from her vision and leadership for years to come!

Please share this information with your friends and co-workers so they can have a chance to meet Nikki and hear more about her common-sense approach to reigning spending in Columbia and changing the staus-quo that continues to cripple our state. There is no cost to attend.

Nikki continues to gain momentum in across the state and also in national circles as well. For too long South Carolina has made headlines for the wrong things, Nikki is a breath of fresh air and understands what it takes to change the good-ole’ boy system for the better!

From her website:

Nikki Haley, one of the strongest fiscal conservatives in state government, was first elected to represent the 87th District in Lexington County in 2004, when, as a virtual unknown she beat the longest serving state legislator in a Republican primary. In 2008 Representative Haley was sent back to the statehouse with 83 percent of the vote – the highest percentage earned by any lawmaker facing a contested South Carolina election that year.

Nikki and Michael live in Lexington with their two children, Rena, 11, and Nalin, 8.

Tuesday saw very little floor debate. Instead we had a Joint Assembly to hear an address by the National Commander of the American Legion .

Wednesday , we had another Joint Assembly to hear the annual address from SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal . Unlike Tuesday though, we had a heated debate over Senate Bill 191 commonly referred to as the “Warrantless Searches” Bill or “The South Carolina Reduction of Recidivism Act of 2010″… whichever you prefer . The bill ultimately passed but was amended from the Senate version. The amendment will require local law enforcement agencies to have a written policy in place to deal with officers who violate the law or (in absence of a written policy) those officers would automatically be suspended for one day. The bill will go back to the Senate for them to consider again and either concur with our amendment or go to conference committee.

The debate actually saw the Speaker come to the dias (a RARE occurence) and got into a “dust-up” with arguably one of the best criminal-defense attorneys around, Representative Todd Rutherford . It was interesting to say the least.

After session, Ways and Means continued their work on what will be one of the “ugliest” budgets in years. It’s scheduled to see full House debate the week of March 15th.

Usually there’s not much done on Thursdays but that changed this week and will probably change the next few weeks as we’re starting to run into tight schedules with budget debate and furloughs ahead. The clock is rapidly ticking on whether bills will become law before we adjourn later this spring.

Once again, we took up a Restructuring Bill that failed by ONE VOTE just a month ago . This time by two votes, H. 4475 cleared the full House. If the Senate agrees (and the Governor is assumed to sign into law), this year’s ballot will ask voters the question to continue to elect the Secretary of State or allow the governor to appoint the position (as it used to be done years ago). I want to applaud the work of a freshman member, Tom Young (R-Aiken) , the lead sponsor of the bill. I remember how difficult it was my freshman year to get legislation passed. It’s good to see newer members continuing the push to make a difference instead of sitting back and “redshirting” their first session.

Flying under the radar this week is a resolution that many folks will be pleased passed the House Thursday. H.4585 instructs the Tax Realignment Commission to consider Act388 (Property Tax) during their discussions. You may recall last year the House/Senate set up a “comprehensive study” of our tax structure but yet did not allow Act.388 to be considered in those discussions. When the commission was established through legislation, many said the study was like a woman being “kinda pregnant”…because you either ARE doing a comprehensive study or you are NOT doing one. Now, we can legitimately say it’s comprehensive….that is, if the Senate passes this as well. Was this a legitimate attempt to listen to businesses,schools and families in our state or was it just political? I hope the former.

In other news…. H.4541 passed the House this week and would name “Sweetgrass” as the official grass of South Carolina. H.4444 passed the House and will limit the number of Weakfish Cynoscion caught in any one day from ten to one.

This week also gave me a chance to visit with more constituents at the State House! Mark Keel , Director of SC Department of Public Safety, and Colonel Kenny Lancaster , Commander of SC Highway Patrol, were in the balcony Wednesday watching the debate. Jimmy Hawk (American Legion) came to the House Floor Tuesday for the address of his National Commander. Ryan Dukes (with Blue Marlin Signature Catering) provided lunch for the Republican Caucus one day this week. Several classes of 3rd graders from Oak Pointe and Dutch Fork Elementary toured the grounds. I wish I had time to visit with all the kids!

Outside of the State House, Tuesday I spoke to the Rotary Club of the Vista Night and talked with three constituents in attendance downtown at Nonnah’s: Pat Lawter, Allan Davis and Reyburn Lominack. Thursday, I spoke with a HomeSchool American Government Class at Kennerly Road Baptist . I am always willing to speak WITH (not just speak TO) any group in our community. Schedule permitting, I’ll be there! Staying in touch and listening is the best way elected officials can represent their constituents with differing backgrounds, experience, and viewpoints. Oh, I REALLY enjoyed a first for me Friday night: performing on-stage in the Chapin Community Theatre’s presentation of “Cheaper By the Dozen” . I’ll write more about that later but I was VERY impressed with the local acting talent here in our community. That night I met constituents Tiffany (director) and George Dinsmore (lighting) and performed with constituents Josh and Sarah Bennett, The Ericksons (mom, Alex, Ashley and Gunner), Nathan Bell, Olivia Fitts and Lauren Westbury .

There are some interesting bills up this week. One that’s been getting a lot of press is the “texting while driving” bill. Stay tuned for more…

Sorry for doing a Rewind on Sunday night instead of a Thursday or a Friday but the weeks keep getting busier . Also, many have noticed there hasn’t been a COMMUNITY UPDATE for February. Next week I’ll post one for March with upcoming events and information important to our community.

As you know by now, the House was on furlough February 9, 10, 11 but that doesn’t mean the constituent work and research doesn’t keep going. Remember, the best way to reach me is to contact me here at Nathan’s News . We’ve had a few email changes over the past several months at the State House that I want to be sure you can get me when you need me. Of course, you can always call 803-734-2969 as well!

The House calendar has now grown to 30+ pages as bills are coming through committees in hopes of making it over to the Senate in time to become law before the last year of this two-year session adjourns. After that time, any bill that didn’t become law has to start the entire process over in the next two-year session.

I usually only talk about House activities in the Rewind but I did want to mention how on Monday the Richland County GOP opened their new headquarters at the corner of Laurel and Marion Streets. Even though MOST banks were closed Monday, I still worked a little, spent time with family but still managed to make this important event.

Like most Tuesdays this year, we spent maybe an hour in chamber so that committees (especially Ways and Means) could do their work. Wednesday might have been the first day we returned after lunch this year so that we could take up some bills that would have some extended debate.

One of the few items of interest Wednesday was the defeat of House Bill 3797 . While this was a statewide bill, it deals with Richland County and how we actually have the Richland Delegation (House/Senate) appointing our Recreation Comission but yet County Council is the one that funds their budget. The bill would have given County Council the appointment powers instead of us; but you can imagine my colleagues apparently wanted to be sure they were still “in charge” and voted it down. Don’t get me started on the Recreation Commission again though…

More importantly to our state, we saw two bills pass with almost unanimous votes. By votes of 108-1, the House passed H.3442 which will help restruture our broken Employment Security Commission, and also H.3006 which was one of my primary bills to reform the way campaign money is reported in our state.

Wednesday also kept me busy as I was honored that morning to read a passage at the 50th Annual South Carolina Prayer Breakfast as well as receive another Friend of the Taxpayer Award by the SC Association of Taxpayers at lunch. As one of only 4 elected officials to receive the award this year, I was very humbled. While I may have recieved the plaque, there are now several others in Columbia working to keep spending under control.

As usual,Thursday was “recongition day” as we welcomed two teams to the House Chamber before ajdourning around lunchtime.

For those that judge our performance by “time spent in chamber”, you probably aren’t pleased so far; however, the State Budget heads to the full House floor the week of March 16th and we’re sure to put in long hours that week. It’s not an understatement that this budget is projected to be one of the worse budgets in years. There are no easy answers and while many often complain about spending, this won’t be one of those years. Instead it will be complaining about how much has been cut…albeit due to less revenues and not necessarily fiscal restraint.

I want to again thank a few of the constituents that took time to say hello to me this past week at the State House: Dale Adlrich, Patrick Cobb, Brandon Pugh and Toni Nance. I also enjoyed recognzing local students who were participating in the AYUSA Global Youth Exchange . Because Wednesday saw extended debate, I was sorry I missed Cayce Mayor Elise Partin . Elise and I are 1999 graduates from Leadership Columbia and it’s good to see her bringing new ideas to the city across the river. She sent a note in to the House Floor but I couldn’t leave debate to go visit. (By the way, if you’re curious, that’s how people “get our attention” who are standing in he lobby of the State House. They really “send in notes”)

This coming Thursday (February 25), I’ll get to meet with several classes from Oak Pointe Elementary and Dutch Fork Elementary who will be on a field trip to their State House!

If your family or organization would like to tour your State House, please call my office and I will work to personally arrange a tour for you.

As I mentioned earlier this year, reform wasn’t built in a day . Manuevering legislation through the political process takes time and hard work. Yesterday, after more than a year since I pre-filed the bill, my colleagues finally had a chance to vote on more transparency in our political process. This time dealing with campaign finances .

The vote was 108-1 and the bill now heads to the Senate after a customary third-reading this morning.

Many in our state probably do not know (or might not really care) that a few years ago, House and Senate members (and candidates) were required to file campaign reports on-line for the first time. In the past, paper reports were filed and could only be reviewed by someone coming to Columbia or requesting/paying for the copies. This transition to on-line disclosures was a giant step for our state’s political process and actually earned us high ranks across the country (something SC usually is not known for in most areas). Before House and Senate members filed on-line, it was only statewide office holders and, of course, national candiates.

This bill now requires all elected officials and candidates for those office (mayors, county council, school boards, etc are now included) to file on-line so that their reports can be easily viewed by voters too. In addition to this, an amendment put lobbyists and lobbyists principals on-line as well.

Another improvement to our current systems is that the bill addresses the so-called “black out” period that exists between the time we file our last pre-election report and the day voters go to the polls.

Simply put, I wanted to change this and match our openess with those on the national level who must report contributions during that time within 48 hours after receipt .

When this bill becomes law (by the way, call your Senator and ask him to support and get to the floor for debate so that it can pass before we adjourn in a few months), voters will have more immediate access to candidates reports and contributions than ever before.

During the debate, a few drifted from my focus on transparency to instead targeting one individual who has often been mentioned in South Carolina elections over the past few years.

Arguments can be made regarding contributors circumventing the intent of the law; however, my colleagues ultimately decided against restricting who can and who cannot contribute and instead voted to present a straight-forward, common-sense, reform bill to the Senate for their immediate consideration.

H.3066 shows that, by working together, a group can do something positive to help restore confidence in public servants and the political process. My bill did not come out of the House Judiciary committee as I originally filed it; and that was ok. Instead of a “my way or highway” approach, I am always willing to let others participate in crafting the final bill. The committee made changes and we had a few additional changes from the floor. Even with an approximate hour of debate on the floor, Republicans and Democrats ultimately worked together to craft a bill that passed our house almost unamiously and accomplished what I had intended many months earlier.

Good thing the snow melted away yesterday. Otherwise, Karen and I would not have had a Valentine’s “date night” and also would have missed a chance to spend time with some of the best people around town! Folks in Irmo,SC who are constantly giving back to the community and working to improve our community!

This year’s Red Carpet Gala was held at Embassy Suites and showcased the family feel that chamber members have with one other.

As usual, I left my dancin’ shoes home but before the Men of Distinction started, we enjoyed watching this year’s award winners:

Diplomat of the Year: Phyllis Wood

Ambassador of the Year: Jeanette Coulter

Congratulations to each of the winners – and the nominees! As usual, we have much to be thankful for in Irmo.

If you’re a business in the Irmo area and not yet a member of the chamber, check out the new web-page that keeps members informed of what’s going on around town and the benefits of chamber membership.

Or visit the chamber on Facebook!

It’s not often we get snow in Irmo…much less 4 inches or more!

Still hoping the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce Gala is tomorrow….otherwise, I’m in trouble because I don’t have any Valentine’s Day plans for Karen .

Then again, it’s not like the bar has been set too high in the past.

NOTE: These updates relate only to the House of Representatives; not the “upper chamber” (Senate). Certainly there are several bills each body considers every day; however, due to space and time constraints, I try to mention what may be of more interest to the masses. (Oftentimes, I share information that may not have made it to the main stream media) If you have a specific bill that interests you, please go to www.scstatehouse.gov for more information.

This past week saw more debate on the House Floor as we finally voted on the Sovereignty Resolution (9th and 10th amendment) Tuesday. The concurrent resolution passed 85-27 after all but one amendment was defeated. The resolution does not carry the weight of law and many wonder why we do these sorts of things in Columbia.

Every committee and several subcommittees met this week. With legislation finally passing at the committee level, the next step is the full House of Representatives. Our calendar now lists several more bills for full debate when we return (February 16, 2010).

I’m pleased to report that one of those bills will be my Campaign Finance Disclosure bill that cleared the full House Judiciary Committee late Tuesday afternoon. I’ll report how the floor debate goes when we return in two weeks and I expect the full House to pass the bill.

Wednesday’s focus was mainly on the election of judges and, as usual, almost all the races ended up uncontested…except for two. The two races that “went to the board” were a circuit court and a family court race. Frank Addy defeated Don Hocker by 15 votes while Gwendlyn Smalls defeated DeAndrea Benjamin by only 6 votes. As I mentioned earlier, these races are always “interesting” and you can read more about this from my friend across the aisle, Representative Anton Gunn at his blog .

Thursday is always brief to allow members to return home. Thursday also is the day two teams/groups can be recognized from the House Floor. These recognitions are reserved for champions.

I was excited to join Representatives Huggins and McLeod in recognizing the Chapin High School Varsity Cheerleaders for their 2009 State AAA Championship. (Their second year in a row!)

Obviously having the Chapin squad at the State House this week allowed me a chance to see many constituents. In addition to the team, coach, principal and parents, I wanted to thank the following members of our community for stopping by this week: Lee and Janice Ayers, Jack Wolfe, Judge Allison Lee, Andy Schmidt, Hugh Ryan, Robert Crooms and Adelle Stanley.

I also want to say hello again to Abby Schmidt (Dutch Fork Middle, 7th grade). Abby sat with me on the House Floor for a few minutes this week and I enjoyed introducing her to my colleagues and letting her know what we do in Columbia.

With a week off from the State House (I’ll be in Charlotte for Wells Fargo ), I’ll only be on Twitter and Facebook the next few days but return to Nathan’s News the week of February 16th. Come to think of it, seems I’ve only been doing one post a week this year. I’ll get it revved up when we return!

Oh…for those curious….we may soon see “no cell phone/texting while driving bills” make it to the House Floor.