Legislative History

In the past six Legislative Sessions much has happened in the General Assembly. We have worked hard to bring our share of incentives and tax dollars to District #108. These are some of the issues I have worked on during this time.

The legislative process in the House begins with introducing a Bill which is referred to the appropriate Committee by the Speaker. The Committee process requires passage by a Sub Committee and the Full Committee before going to the House floor for debate for a total of 9 readings. If passed the Bill then goes to the Senate for the same process and, if passed, on to the Governor's Office for his signature to become Law. In an average session the House deals with approximately 600 bills.

Tax Increment Financing Act. This legislation allows counties and municipalities to enter into redevelopment projects without raising local taxes, and gives local school boards and other governments an “opt-in, opt-out” status allowing them to participate in tax revenue negotiations. Passed. (This innovative legislation was spotlighted in a Wall Street Journal news story.)

Optional postponement of jury duty for school employees. This amendment allows school employees who have direct contact with students to postpone jury duty if it interferes with critical class time. This measure not only means a savings to the school district it also keeps teachers where they are needed -- in the classroom. (The Georgetown County School District paid more than $250,000 in 1996 to substitute teachers, many of whom were hired for employees serving on jury duty.)

Real Estate Transfer Fees Bill. This legislation allowed Georgetown County to keep more than $2 million in collected fees slated to be returned to the State Treasurer’s General Fund. This money was used to purchase recreational property for public use throughout the county, such as Morse Landing in Murrell’s Inlet.

School District Administrators Retaining Teacher Status. This amendment to the budget bill prevents administrators from maintaining administrative status once they leave or are removed from an administrative position. It allows school boards to place poor administrators who might be good teachers back in the classroom, rather than creating “busy” administrative positions.

Governor’s Institute of Reading. This amendment to the budget bill awarded competitive grants to school districts for designing and providing a comprehensive approach to reading instruction based on best practice, and provides teachers with professional development and support for implementing best practices.

Better representation. Introduced successful legislation to give Georgetown County legislative representation on the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments. Vida Miller’s efforts also led to the opening of the first Georgetown County Legislative Delegation Office bringing access to state agencies and services.

Pilot Paving Program. Fought for the Pilot Paving Program and as a result we were able to pave more roads in the area including Litchfield Country Club, Hagley and Tiller Road, as well as road in the City and western portion of the county. This conceptual program has been embraced by the county and is being utilized throughout the area.

Tax Relief. Vida introduced the 2005 Property Tax Relief legislation which passed and was vetoed by Gov. Sanford. This legislation was incorporated into the property tax relief law which passed last year. She supported increasing the Homestead Exemption to $50,000. along with numerous tax relief incentives.

Casino Boat Ban. It was Vida’s bill that was signed into law by Gov. Sanford banning casino boats from our communities.