Vida Miller for SC House

Miller Receives Post and Courier Endorsement

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:51:00 +0000

The Post and Courier
Charleston, SC, Friday October 31, 2008
S.C. House: Smith, Stavrinakis, Scarborough, Miller, Bailey

Five seats are contested for the S.C. House of Representatives on local ballots Tuesday. We urge voters to choose Steven Smith, Leon Stavrinakis, Wallace Scarborough, Vida Miller and George Bailey.

Democrat Vida Miller of Pawleys Island has earned a seventh term in District 108, which also includes northern Charleston County. She has served as an effective advocate for education, conservation, road funding and her constituents.
As chairperson of an education subcommittee, she knows from difficult experience that the state's system for funding public schools must be overhauled.
She persuasively argues for giving local governments and school boards more control of education budgets, while also assuring that sufficient state resources are available for poor counties and districts.

Miller receives major education award

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:51:00 +0000

COLUMBIA - The Honorable Vida Miller, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, on Oct. 27 received the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) Champions for Public Education award for her support of public schools and students not only in Georgetown and surrounding counties, but statewide.

Rep. Miller was presented with the award Tuesday, Oct. 27, by SCSBA Advocacy Coordinator Duane Cooper at the J.B. Beck Administrative and Educational Center. (In photo at right, S.C. School Boards Association Advocacy Coordinator Duane Cooper, left, presents Rep. Vida Miller the Champions for Public Education award. At right is Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor of the Greenville County School Board.)

Rep. Miller was nominated by the Georgetown County board for the award, which is presented quarterly to community residents, organizations or local businesses/industries whose support of and contributions to public education have significantly benefited the entire school district or public schools statewide. Nominations are open to the state's school boards and judged against the award's criteria to determine eligibility.

Also at the award presentation was Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor of the Greenville County School Board. "Rep. Miller is one of the greatest leaders in education improvement in this state," said O'Connor. "She inspired me to run for the School Board in Greenville County when she told me that 'Educating students is critical to their success, as well as to the economic development and success of our state.' Ten years later, when parents and educators anywhere in the state have a concern about education, we count on her leadership to help find meaningful solutions. Rep. Miller understands the need to advance student achievement, and she keeps the needs of all our children close to her heart."

Miller backed by NRA

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:48:00 +0000

Representative Vida Miller, has received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. Miller, a member of the SC House Sportsman Caucus, also received the NRA-PVF endorsement in 2006 for her support of Second Amendment rights and sportsmans rights in South Carolina.

Miller has been a strong advocate for protecting sportsman and hunting rights and has supported key legislation that protects our Second Amendment rights.

A native South Carolinian, Rep. Miller has long supported the traditional values of our state’s sportsmen and responsible gun ownership along with programs involving youth development, firearms education, safety, and training.

The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is NRA's political action committee. NRA-Political Victory Fund ranks political candidates—irrespective of party affiliation—based on voting records, public statements and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire.

Miller has also been endorsed by the Conservation Voters of SC, the Coastal Realtors Association and business organizations representing District 108.

More: NRA-PVF

NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN ALERT

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:39:00 +0000

NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN ALERT:
In recent week, voters in Georgetown and Charleston counties received political mailings from a special interest group (PAC) falsely attacking our Representative, Vida Miller. (This group, “SCRG”, is a “front” for libertarian extremists who want to divert our tax dollars AWAY from our public schools to give to their corporate education experiments instead. SCRG even recruited their own “puppet” candidate against Miller.)

Don’t be fooled! The sole purpose of this group -- financed by a New York multi-millionaire, Howard Rich -- is to mislead voters with false attacks and mudslinging in order to elect officeholders who will be his puppets. (They call the group “South Carolinians for Responsible Government” to mislead voters.)

Here are the facts: Vida Miller helped cut taxes by over $850 million in the last two years. She has helped lead efforts to reform government. She is a businesswoman who works to control spending and reduce the cost of government. And she helped cut $30 million in “pork” out of the state budget in 2008.

Vida Miller fights for the people of Georgetown, Waccamaw Neck, Awendaw and McClellanville - not the special interest groups or NYC multi-millionaires. That's why they have recruited their own candidate against her.

They are falsely attacking her because Vida Miller has been a consistent strong voice in favor of improving public education. They will try anything to replace her with their hand-picked puppet. But their negative campaign may backfire: Every time they attack her, voters will be reminded that its only because Vida Miller is fighting for the people of District 108... not the special interests!

You can help fight back against the special interest group which is trying to BUY our House seat. Warn your friends and neighbors about the deceptive, negative campaign they are paying for against Vida Miller, and remind them to VOTE on Tuesday, Nov. 4th (or in advance by absentee ballot.)

Sun News Endorsement

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:41:00 +0000

SUN NEWS
Opinion
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
Return Miller, Edge, Barfield to S.C. House
Incumbents do well by their constituents

Facing the District 58 incumbent, Rep. Liston Barfield, R-Conway, is Fonzie Lewis, an Aynor Democrat with a good grasp of state legislative issues. Keying in on Barfield's sponsorship of a $100,000 state economic development grant to finance a Myrtle Beach visit by German dignitaries, Lewis says the incumbent has done too little to rein in wasteful spending. Barfield defends the grants as an investment in international tourism, which he and many others envision as the best way to grow Grand Strand tourism.
He and Lewis differ on budget priorities, education funding, health funding and other key issues. Individual voters will have to decide for themselves which view is correct. But because Barfield has served our communities well in the House, especially as a member of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee, he receives the newspaper's recommendation.
In Georgetown County-based District 108, Democratic incumbent Rep. Vida Miller faces her strongest challenge yet from Jill Kelso, a businesswoman with a conservative vision of how legislative service ought to be. Kelso argues that because Miller is a member of the minority party in the House, she's not as effective as a Republican alternative could be.
Miller, however, makes a good case that party is less important a factor in the House than seniority and experience, and defends her record of accomplishment as a legislator. A businesswoman herself, she is no tax-and-spend liberal. And she's a stronger supporter of public education than Kelso appears to be. She's done a good job for her constituents and merits the chance to continue speaking for them in Columbia.
In House District 104, incumbent Rep. Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach, faces a spirited challenge from Constitution Party candidate Patricia Matthews of Longs. Matthews argues that business as usual in Columbia no longer works. The legislature, she said, should have done far more to abate illegal immigration, ensuring that their children don't attend public schools or use publicly funded health-care resources. She also objects to state-bonded indebtedness, dismissing as immaterial that legislators must balance the state's annual operating budget.
She's a good person who might, in time, develop into a good legislator. But Edge, a Ways and Means Committee member who works hard on the issues that matter most to our communities - transportation improvement, health care improvement and tourism growth - is a fine legislator. He garners The Sun News recommendation.

Safe Routes to Schools Awards $400,000.00

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Safe Routes to Schools Awards $400,000 to local schools through legislation introduced by Rep. Vida Miller. Waccamaw Elementary School and Georgetown Middle School have been selected to receive $200,000 each in Safe Routes to School funding. The awarding of funding was announced recently at the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study Committee meeting, chaired by Rep. Miller. Miller applauds the efforts of each of these schools along with the assistance of SC Department of Transportation, Waccamaw Regional Council of Government and the Georgetown County School District in applying for the funding.Representative Miller introduced the legislation creating South Carolina's SRTS Program and allowing access to the federal funding created by Congress in 2005. SRTS enables and encourages children, including those with disabilities, to safely walk and bicycle to and from school. SCDOT has created a SRTS office which will help administer grants to schools and communities promoting safe walking and bike paths to schools, safe havens for children and promotion of physical well being.SCDOT's Safe Routes to School Program assists schools and communities in the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools while promoting a healthy lifestyle for children and their parents. Selected schools will be required to design a comprehensive Safe Routes to School Plan specific to that school.Miller was selected by the SC Governor's Council on Physical Fitness to receive the Public Policy Award in 2006 based on the Safe Routes to School legislation she introduced. The legislation was endorsed by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and the SC Department of Transportation.Contact: Vida Miller Email: vida@vidamiller.com Cell: 340-7194

CUTLINE:Photo by Ray White/Georgetown County School District Celebrating the $400,000 Safe Routes to Schools Awards are, from left, Mark Hoeweler, Planning Director at the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments; Vida Miller, Representative for South Carolina House Seat 108; Georgetown County School District Risk and Property Manager Kelly Kelley; GCSD Superintendent Dr. Randy Dozier; Chris Clark, GSATS Transportation Planner at the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments; and GCSD Safety and Energy Associate David Adams

Roll Call Vote on Spending Legislation

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:36:00 +0000

September 16, 2008

Representative Vida Miller
Post Office Box 3157
Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Dear Vida:

I hope that you have found some time to enjoy your family and some much needed rest in the off-session. Last year, I introduced the 2008 Spending Accountability Act. The legislation would have required all votes to go on the record that expended taxpayer dollars. It was introduced late in the session and did not have time for a vote.

This year, I am reintroducing the bill, but have expanded it for more accountability. The 2009 Spending Accountability Act will require votes on the record for the following:

All second readings.
Any amended third readings.
Each section of the budget.
Conference committee reports.

Requiring the most important decisions we make, our votes, to be on the record would allow for an increased level of public confidence and trust. Voting and making decisions that impact the citizens is the single most important responsibility we have. We, the General Assembly, should not be the ones to decide what should and should not go on the record. These votes belong to the citizens that will be impacted by these important decisions. I respectfully ask that you join this cause of requiring that these votes listed above be on the record.

Please contact me by Friday on my cell, 803-586-1354, if you are interested in signing on to this bill. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.

My very best,

Nikki

jhm-NHaley-Sept-16-08-frm

CONSERVATION ENDORSEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:15:00 +0000

REP. VIDA MILLER EARNS CONSERVATION ENDORSEMENT
September 28, 2008

(Columbia, SC) – Conservation Voters of South Carolina has endorsed Rep. Vida Miller as the best choice for conservation minded voters in the District 108 House race in Charleston and Georgetown Counties.

“Representative Vida Miller offers a sensible approach to conservation that voters in these counties expect from their elected leaders,” said Executive Director, Ann Timberlake. “Voters don’t care about party affiliation when it comes to issues like clean air and drinkable water. Vida supports investing in our working farms and forests to strengthen our economy and preserve the outdoor traditions that have made South Carolina a destination for tourists, new families and retirees.”

Miller has supported South Carolina’s landmark Conservation Bank – working with local governments and land trusts to promote land protection in the County. She also supported energy efficiency bills and the successful initiatives in 2007 to reform the Department of Transportation and to remove unlawful river shacks from public rivers and lakes.

Candidates earn Conservation Voters’ support through an endorsement process that includes an examination of the candidates’ records, questionnaire responses and interviews. “South Carolinians want elected officials who understand that communities need to be able to preserve their unique character and plan for the future. Representative Miller is committed to protecting both the special history and environment of District 108,” added Timberlake.

Since 2002, Conservation Voters has been turning traditional conservation values into state priorities. The independent bipartisan organization holds elected leaders accountable and publishes a biennial Conservation Scorecard. Conservation Voters endorsed 14 Republican and 16 Democratic candidates in the June primaries.

Miller appointed to Study Committee

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:33:00 +0000

Representative Vida Miller has been appointed by The Honorable Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the SC House of Representatives to serve on the Delivery of Behavioral Health Care Services Study Committee.
The committee is composed of ten members of the SC General Assembly, of whom five must be members of the House appointed by the Speaker and five must be members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
The committee was created by the General Assembly to examine the delivery of behavioral care services in South Carolina. Many already overcrowded hospital emergency rooms have become the “safety net” or “provider of last resort” until psychiatric beds are available in the state. This situation stretches the resources of the hospital and reduces care for other patients with medical emergencies.
The delivery of services that are available to behavioral health care patients is fractured and disjointed and many patients have no place to go for the level of emergency care they or their loved ones need.
“I am honored to be appointed by the Speaker and look forward to serving on this committee in an effort to find a solution to this serious health care problem for our citizens”, Miller stated.

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:24:00 +0000

Backpacks to Local Schools

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:02:00 +0000

REPRESENTATIVE VIDA MILLER PARTNERS WITH THE OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION,
DISTRIBUTES BACKPACKS TO LOCAL SCHOOLS

Representative Vida Miller and The Office Depot Foundation are pleased to announce that student of House District 108 have been chosen to receive backpacks containing essential school supplies as part of the Foundation’s Eighth Annual National Backpack Program in partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL).

“This is an extremely beneficial program,” said Vida Miller “I am honored to have the opportunity to present these backpacks to these deserving students. This donation will allow the children to start the new school year with important resources they need to be successful in the classroom. As SC’s Education Team Leader for the National Foundation for Women Legislators, I commend the Office Depot Foundation on its efforts to make children’s lives easier when it comes to having basic school supplies, which many of us take for granted.”

By the end of this year, Office Depot (NYSE: ODP) and the Office Depot Foundation will have given away nearly 1.8 million backpacks since the program began in 2001. For the fourth consecutive year, 300,000 backpacks are being donated across the United States and Canada.

The 2008 backpacks come in five different color schemes, blending orange, blue, red, purple, green and – for the first time – pink. Designed primarily to meet the needs of students in grades K-5, the backpacks feature two front pockets and wide, padded straps for comfort and support. Each backpack contains a pencil pouch containing essential back-to-school items - a ruler, four crayons, a glue stick, a pen, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser.

This summer Office Depot will provide the National Foundation for Women Legislators with more than 18,000 backpacks for distribution by women elected officials in all 50 states. Office Depot will also partner with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (CASA), the Kids In Need Foundation, City Year, Teach for America, Nourish America and Feed The Children. These organizations focus on education, domestic abuse, national disaster relief and other vital issues and will assist in distributing backpacks to children across the country and internationally.

“Children who are poor or abused, or families who have suffered through a natural disaster do not need to worry about not having school supplies,” said Miller. “This is a wonderful program and I look forward to working with the Office Depot Foundation in the future on behalf of the National Foundation for Women Legislators.”

About the National Foundation For Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)
Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports women legislators from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience.

About the Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation that serves as the primary charitable giving arm of Office Depot. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care, the Foundation strives to make a positive impact on many lives in many communities around the world. The Foundation supports a variety of programs that enhance the quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and global economic growth, and empower schools and non-profit organizations. It also provides support when disasters strike - doing what it can not only to speed the process of rebuilding, but also to mitigate the impact of future disasters. For more information about the Office Depot Foundation, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.
# # #

Senior Citizens Town Hall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:55:00 +0000

REP. MILLER HOSTS SENIOR CITIZENS TOWN HALL MEETING

Representative Vida Miller will host a Town Hall meeting for Senior Citizens, along with Lt. Governor Andre’ Bauer’s Office relating to issues on Medicare/Medicaid and Senior Fraud, Wednesday August 20th at the Litchfield Branch of Coastal Carolina University, Room #109, 160 Willbrook Boulevard (behind the Hampton Inn in Litchfield) The session will begin at 2:00pm. Staff from the Lt. Governor’s office will be on hand to assist and answer questions regarding these issues.
Rep. Miller urges anyone who has questions or problems regarding the Medicare/Medicaid programs to attend, as well as, those who have been affected by or want to learn how to avoid a scam. “I appreciate the Lt. Governor’s efforts on behalf of our senior citizens. As our population ages, senior scams are a very serious issue that can be financially devastating. Also, Medicare/Medicaid options and qualifications can be difficult to work through at times. Lt. Governor Andre’ Bauer’s creation of the Task Force on Senior Fraud and his oversight on the Office of Aging to inform and assist our community are commendable.”
Please bring any information or documentation you would like for staff to review. Miller urges those who have questions related to these issues to attend this informative meeting.
The public is invited to attend.

Scholarship Awarded

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:22:00 +0000

Representative Miller Announces the First Recipient of Scholarship Fund

[Georgetown, SC -] Waccamaw High School student, Brittany Shelley, was named as the first recipient of the Vida Osteen Miller Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship fund, which was founded by the SC General Assembly Women’s Caucus in honor of Representative Miller, was established to encourage and inspire well-rounded, dedicated young women who are planning to continue their education at state schools.

“I am so pleased to announce the awarding of this first annual $1,000.00 scholarship to Ms. Brittany Shelley. Her name will be permanently recorded in the SC General Assembly archives. Brittany exemplifies the qualities of good citizenship, moral character, integrity, honor, and demonstrates leadership abilities,” Miller stated. “I, along with the SC General Assembly Women’s Caucus wish her well in her studies at Winthrop.”

Ms. Brittany Shelley is the daughter or Wayne & Kelly Shelley of Georgetown, SC. As a senior at Waccamaw High School, she plans to attend Winthrop University in the Fall of 2008. At Winthrop, Brittany intends to study Web design and Communications.

Administrative officials at Waccamaw High School assisted in the nomination of Brittany for this scholarship.

“ The SC General Assembly Women’s Caucus has voted to award a scholarship each year and I look forward to being able to work with local school officials and students next year in the selection process of this scholarship fund,” said Miller.

Legislative History

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:44:00 +0000

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.

Legislative Update-May16,2008

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:06:00 +0000

The legislative year is coming to an end and will likely leave to a handful of committee conferees the key decisions on immigration reform and the disposition of and purpose for a cigarette tax. It is my hope that this small group of conferees will accurately reflect your opinions on these topics. It is a moment when it is best to keep in mind what Benjamin Franklin once said, "Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." Optimism dictates that we hope for the best on these matters.

The House approved and sent to the Senate or enrolled for ratification the following bills of interest:

The House concurred in Senate amendments to H.4408, REVISION OF FRESHMAN REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP ENHANCEMENTS FOR MAJORING IN SCIENCE OR MATH, and enrolled the bill for ratification. This legislation relates to the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship stipend for students majoring in math or science and the LIFE Scholarship stipend for students majoring in math or science. This bill revises the course requirements necessary to receive these stipends during a student's freshman year.

The House concurred in Senate amendments to , CATCH LIMITS FOR FISHING IN CERTAIN WATERS, and enrolled the bill for ratification. This legislation establishes catch limits for fishing in certain waters. This bill repeals the current daily limits on game fish; striped bass or rockfish in certain waters and establishes new catch limits and length limits pertaining to striped bass in certain waters.

The House concurred in Senate amendments to , CHARTER SCHOOLS, and enrolled the bill for ratification. This legislation pertains to Charter schools, relating to the approval, renewal, revocation, and termination of charters for charter schools, this bill increases the charter period from five to ten years.

Some of the bills that were introduced in the House this week included:

MEDICAL, MILITARY, PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS:

, CENTRAL FILL PHARMACIES, this bill allows for the establishment of central fill pharmacies in the state. A central fill pharmacy, upon the request of another pharmacy permitted by this state, fills a prescription drug order and returns the filled prescription to the dispensing pharmacy for delivery to the patient or patient’s agent. This bill also outlines certain operating procedures and requirements for central fill pharmacies.

WAYS AND MEANS:

, EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX ACT, this bill enacts the "Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax Act" to allow a one percent local sales and use tax to be imposed in a county for not more than fifteen years upon referendum approval with the revenues of the tax used by the county’ s school district board of trustees to pay for specific public school capital improvements in the county. The legislation provides a method whereby revenue of the tax may be shared for the purposes of specific capital improvements on the campuses of a technical college or other state institutions of higher learning located in the county.

H.3567, CIGARETTE TAX bill to amend section 12-21-620; Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to taxation on cigarettes, so as to increase the amount of tax on each cigarette from three and one-half mills to two cents; to add section 44-6-157, so as to provide that the revenue generated from the taxation on cigarettes must be used to expand Medicaid coverage to children eighteen years of age and younger whose family income does not exceed two hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level; and to create the Health Care Trust Fund to provide Medicaid benefits to individuals whose family income does not exceed one hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level and who are uninsured and to provide that revenue in excess of the Children’s Medicaid coverage from the cigarette tax must be credited to the Health Care Trust Fund; and to amend section 12-36-910, as amended, relating to sales taxes generally, so as to provide that as of July 1, 2009, the three percent sales tax is eliminated on unprepared food which lawfully may be purchased with United States Department of Agriculture Food Coupons, to provide for certain general fund transfers to the Education Improvement Act Fund for each fiscal year to offset EIA revenues lost as a result of the loss of sales tax on unprepared food, and to reduce the sales tax on unprepared food to two percent as of July 1, 2007, and one percent as of July 1, 2008.
If you have a comment or opinion concerning the matters discussed in this report, or if I may be of assistance to you at any time, please feel free to call your legislative office in Columbia (803-734-2957); my home office (843-237-8603); or the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation Office, located in the Courthouse (843-545-3029); or write P.O. Box 1270, Georgetown, SC 29442. If you would like any additional information on these bills, or any other legislation under consideration by the General Assembly, feel free to visit our website at www.scstatehouse.net. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the House of Representatives.

Legislative Report - April 22-24

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.” Consider the actions taken by the Legislature this week and know that lawmakers draft legislation in reaction to requests from constituents, special interest groups, and their own personal life experiences and biases. Bills that become law reflect the views of the majority in leadership. Your vote helps determine who is in the majority. Does the majority focus on what is important to you?

The House approved and sent to the Senate or enrolled for ratification the following bills of interest:

The House approved S.1039, pertaining to PROHIBITIONS ON THE REGULATION OF FIREARMS, and enrolled the bill for ratification. This bill provides that counties and municipalities may not enact regulations to prohibit a landowner from discharging a firearm on his property to protect family members, employees, or the general public from animals posing a direct threat or danger on a parcel of land comprised of at least 25 contiguous acres. Any ordinance regulating the discharge of firearms that does not specifically provide for exclusion pursuant to this item is unenforceable as it pertains to an incident described in this item; otherwise, the ordinance is enforceable.

The House approved and sent to the Senate, H.5003, a joint resolution directing the State Treasurer in fiscal year 2008‑2009 to TRANSFER FROM THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FUND TO THE EDUCATION FINANCE ACT RESERVE FUND sufficient monies, as determined by the Department of Education after consultation with the Department of Revenue, to provide each school district of this state with state funding under the Education Finance Act for fiscal year 2008‑2009, at least equal to what the school district received in state funding under the Education Finance Act for fiscal year 2007‑2008.

The House amended, approved and sent to the Senate, H.4737, the "BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES ACT OF 2008." This bill establishes the Department of Behavioral Health Services comprised of the Division of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and Division of Mental Health. Among other things, the department is required to develop a State Plan for Behavioral Health Services, which must include the delivery of coordinated, client-centered behavioral health services. The legislation also establishes a Department of Behavioral Health Services Advisory Committee to study the organizational structure of the department to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the department and to make recommendations for organizational and service delivery changes. This bill provides for a South Carolina Mental Health Advisory Board, as well as a Division of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services Advisory Board.

The House approved and sent to the Senate, H.4578, a PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS. This joint resolution proposing to amend the State Constitution would be submitted to the voters at the next General Election. This joint resolution proposes to amend the State Constitution to authorize the General Assembly, by special or local law, to abolish a special or public service district created by the General Assembly and transfer its assets and liabilities to an assuming service provider.

The House amended, approved and sent to the Senate, H.4554, a bill placing RESTRICTIONS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL TAXES AND FEES ON REAL ESTATE LICENSEES. The legislation provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of a county or municipality may not impose a license, occupation, or professional tax or fee upon real estate licensees, except upon the broker-in-charge at the place where the real estate licensee maintains a principal or branch office. The license, occupation, or professional tax or fee shall permit the broker-in-charge and the broker’s affiliated associate brokers, salespersons, and property managers to engage in all of the brokerage activities without further licensing or taxing, other than the licenses issued by the state.

The House amended, approved and sent to the Senate, H.3740, a bill relating to CORONERS. This bill revises the manner in which vacancy in the office of the coroner is filled. If a vacancy occurs in the office of coroner in any county of this state one year or less before the next General Election for coroners, the Governor may appoint a suitable person who must be an elector of the county, and who, upon qualifying, is entitled to hold the office until his successor is elected and qualifies.

The House approved and sent to the Senate, H.5000, a bill provides that NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PARK RANGERS are federal law enforcement officers who are authorized to enforce South Carolina’s criminal laws.

The House amended, approved and sent to the Senate H.4552, pertaining to UTILITY POLICE OFFICERS. Currently, there are provisions in the law for the Governor to appoint constables and special officers. This bill defines terms and outlines procedures for the appointment of utility police officers.

The House approved and sent to the Senate, H.5012, a bill authorizing CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECKS IN THE LICENSURE OF NURSES. The legislation provides that the State Board of Nursing may require a state and national criminal records check, supported by fingerprints. In addition, a licensed nurse shall wear a clearly legible identification badge bearing the nurse’s official title and first or last name or both.

Some of the bills introduced in the House this week included:

EDUCATION AND PUBLIC WORKS:

S.641, PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN EDUCATIONAL DECISIONS. This bill provides that under certain circumstances a school must defer to the decision of parents or guardians of twins and multiples as to whether or not the children will be placed in the same classroom. This bill also provides that a parent or guardian whose child is six years of age on or before the first day of September of a particular school year may elect for the child to attend kindergarten or first grade if the child did not attend kindergarten in the previous school year. The election must be made in writing, and the school’s governing body must comply with the election. However, nothing shall be construed to prohibit a child who does not meet the required standards for the first grade from remaining in kindergarten.

S.981, STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM. This bill provides that all highways in the state highway system must be built according to state standards. The bill allows the Department of Transportation to add county and municipal roads to the state highway system when necessary for the interconnectivity of the state highway system. This bill includes additional provisions relating to the deletion and removal of roads from the state highway secondary system. Additionally, the bill repeals section 57-5-90, relating to belt lines and spurs.

JUDICIARY:

S.111, CERTAIN DRIVERS ALLOWED TO PROCEED THROUGH STEADY RED LIGHT. If a driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, this bill provides that the driver may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the traffic-control device is equipped with a vehicle sensor; the vehicle sensor has failed to detect the motorcycle, moped, or bicycle because of the motorcycle's, moped's, or bicycle's size or weight; and the driver or rider, as the case may be: comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for 120 seconds; exercises due care, otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and it is safe to proceed.

WAYS AND MEANS:

H.5019, ROLL CALL VOTES REQUIRED FOR PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO EXPENDITURE OF STATE FUNDS. This bill provides that a bill or joint resolution which temporarily or permanently, directly or indirectly, adds, amends, or repeals any provision of law relating to the expenditure of state funds, must receive a recorded roll‑call vote before the bill or joint resolution passes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

If you have a comment or opinion concerning the matters discussed in this report, or if I may be of assistance to you at any time, please feel free to call your legislative office in Columbia (803-734-2957); my home office (843-237-8603); or the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation Office, located in the Courthouse (843-545-3029); or write P.O. Box 1270, Georgetown, SC 29442. If you would like any additional information on these bills, or any other legislation under consideration by the General Assembly, feel free to visit our website at http://www.scstatehouse.net/. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the House of Representatives.

Citizenship by Hayden Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Hayden presented me with this poem she wrote about citizenship during Career Day at Maryville Elementary School. It is worth sharing and makes us all proud that this elementary student is so patriotic.

Citizenship
Citizenship is red, white and blue.
Citizenship is a baby eagle's cherp, too.
It tastes like watermelon on a hot summer day.
It smells like fresh sheets when I hit the hay.
It looks like a flag beating in the wind.
It makes me feel happy to be an American.
By - Hayden Kelly

Career Day at Maryville School

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:19:00 +0000

This week I had the privilege of participating in Career Day at Maryville School. Many of the students had studied the history of South Carolina and were very well versed in the symbols and emblems of the state, as well as, knowledge of federal and state government.

We had a great time discussing the history of our flag, our state motto "While I breath, I hope" and many other

facts about South Carolina.

Congratulations to Maryville Elementary School for a successful day and my thanks to all for asking me to be a part of this experience.

There are many young leaders at MES who will go on to make a difference in our community and state in the future.

My best to each of you!

EFA Funding Restored in House Budget

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:34:00 +0000

During budget deliberations on the House floor Wednesday evening, Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawley's Island, proposed an amendment to replace all school districts' projected year-to-year losses governed by a formula laid out in the Education Finance Act of 1977, the amendment was supported by House leadership and adopted.
Many others joined Miller including Representative Carl Anderson from Georgetown, members of the Horry Delegation and Representatives from all the counties affected by the flawed EFA funding formula. Miller's amendment specifies the losses be restored with the $50 million in surplus funding from the Homestead Exemption Act.
Counties affected include: Georgetown- $3.8 million, Beaufort- $2.4 million, Clarendon #2 -$36,000., Horry- $4.6 million, McCormick- $104,000., Newberry #1-$131,000., York #4- $256,000., and Charleston- $64,000.
“We all realize that this problem will continue to exist and most probably get worse for the fast growing counties unless permanent legislation is agreed upon to change the funding formula. Current funding formula flaws along with unintended taxing limitations would require our schools to be forced to cut programs and staff. That option is not acceptable.” Miller stated.
An Ad Hoc Committee has been formed to study the funding formula and make recommendations to the General Assembly. School districts in fast growing areas, rated with high tax paying ability are the ones who suffered the greatest losses.
The House version of the State Budget now resides in the Senate and members of the Senate Finance Committee have been contacted to support the funding restoration.

PACT Test soon to be History

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:21:00 +0000

House backs bill to find better exam--
Highlights from article written
By Yvonne Wenger
The Post and Courier
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The House voted 113-0 to give key approval to a bill that would replace the test with a diagnostic test that would deliver timely results. It would be the first major state change to the Educational Accountability Act of 1998.
The proposed new test, the Elementary and Middle School Assessment Program, would test third- through eighth-graders in English, math, science and social studies. The new test, to be implemented in 2010, would be used to help teachers identify what areas their students are having trouble with as well as report the state's performance under the No Child Left Behind Act.
That test would be given in a multiple-choice format toward the end of the school year, with a writing portion administered around February. Those changes will help drastically cut down on the turnaround time for the test results.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell said he thinks the legislation would go a long way toward improving education in the state by giving teachers what they've asked for. One thing it doesn't do, he said, is lower the state's standards.
The bill also calls for formative assessments, or practice tests used only for diagnostic purposes, to be given for English and math in grades one through nine. Nearly every district already administers the formative assessments.
High school students in grades 10 through 12 have a separate assessment test already in use.
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said the bill addresses some of the concerns he has heard from parents and teachers, but not all. He campaigned to replace the current test.
"This bill would give teachers more of the mid-year tests they want, tests that provide fast-return diagnostic results on individual kids," Rex said. "My only concern is that it doesn't reduce high-stakes end-of-year testing. So on balance, it would mean more testing and not less. From what I'm hearing across the state, more testing is not what parents and teachers want."
Despite those concerns, the bill includes another element that involves the rankings used to measure a student's performance level and seemed to be very well received by educators. It would change the four assessment levels of below basic through advanced to three: not met, met and exemplary.
The point of the change is to measure South Carolina against other states in a true comparison.
Educators argue that the public does not get an accurate picture when looking at how South Carolina children perform on national academic benchmarks because the state's standards are more rigorous.
In addition to providing teachers with more diagnostic information, a bill set to leave the House for the Senate to consider also would alter the way standards here are measured against other states.
Supporters say South Carolina's 'proficient' designation currently reflects a child who is performing above grade level. The bill would change the terminology to be 'exemplary.' The result, according to the supporters, will be a dramatic increase in the number of South Carolina students meeting 'proficiency' requirements in the federal No Child Left Behind law. All the while, they say, holding teachers to the same tough accountability standards.
Student performance levels are currently categorized in the state as advanced, proficient, basic and below basic. The bill would change those categories to exemplary, met and not met, and base them on grade-level performance.

Contact information

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:14:00 +0000

While in the 2008 session of the South Carolina State House of Representatives, I want to be sure you have my current contact information so you can easily reach me if needed. I’d like to hear from you to get your ideas and opinions on the issues facing our state, so I am able to better represent your views in Columbia. Also, please don’t hesitate to call on me if I can help you on any matter of constituent service. It is a great honor and a privilege for me to serve you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Pawleys Island contacts: Home: 237-8603 Work: 237-2578

P. O. Box 3157, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

vida@vidamiller.com

Columbia contacts: Office: 803-734-2957

P. O. Box 11867, 335-D Blatt, Columbia, SC 29211

vom@scstatehouse.net

Miller Announces Reelection Plans

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:08:00 +0000

"I definitely do plan to seek re-election." With those words, Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island, made official what is likely a surprise to no one
Miller has been in the S.C. House of Representatives since 1997. Prior to that service, she was a member of the School Board of Georgetown County from 1988 to 1994.
"House of Representatives' terms are a lot more frequent than the Senate," she said, since they are elected for two-year terms and senators have four-year terms.
"By the time you've served 10 to 12 years, you do have seniority, you do understand state government, different agencies and the connections between agencies," Miller said. "Hopefully, you're able to maneuver issues through a lot quicker for your constituents than your first term in the General Assembly."
"I really am excited about what's happening in Georgetown County.
"I believe my district (108) is one of the best in the whole state. It's one of the largest, (running) from Murrells Inlet to Awendaw. To me, it is an ideal district."
Miller said that Awendaw and McClellanville have a lot in common with Georgetown County. "They are sort of sister communities."
A lot has been accomplished in the district in the last 12 years, she said. "We're on the cusp or turning point in Georgetown County that is very exciting, one that I never realized happened quite so quickly."
"I would like to continue being part of this," she said. "I certainly appreciate all the support over the last number of years. I would like to continue to serce the people of District #108.
Miller is a native of Greenville County. She attended North Greenville College and Bob Jones University. She married James D. "J.D." Miller in 1978, and the couple has two children.
She owns Gray Man Gallery in Pawleys Island and has been active in a variety of arts groups, the Business and Professional Women, Pawleys Island-Litchfield Merchants Association, League of Women Voters, numerous legislative committees and has been recognized by several legislative groups, the Sierra Club and others.

Every Vote Counts!

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 04:01:00 +0000

With the November 2006 general elections still a topic of discussion and debate, the 2008 presidential election is quickly becoming the focus of the media. Presidential candidates from both parties are planning early visits to South Carolina to gain support in SC’s presidential primaries in 2008, which will be the first presidential contests in the South for both parties.

Recent topics of discussion at the annual The South Carolina Association of Registration and Election Officials (S.C.A.R.E.) held in North Myrtle Beach, sponsored by the SC Association of Counties, included legislative priorities promoting the efficiency of general elections and the voter process in SC. I, along with other legislators, participated in a question and answer panel fielding questions from election and registration commissioners. Many other issues were discussed during the weekend conference, such as paper trails on electronic voting machines, voter registration and voter participation concerns. Some of the legislative priorities include:

Allow early voting in South Carolina. Satellite polling locations will be optional for each county. Early voting would begin approximately 2 weeks prior to an election and would end at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the election. Voting by mail would be restricted to those electors who qualify for absentee voting. Procedures would be the same as we currently use for walk-in absentee voters except no application would be needed. The elector’s registration number would be keyed in the voting machine.
This would allow voters to vote early in satellite polls located in strategic areas within the county without having to go to the voter registration office in Georgetown. House and Senate bills have introduced to create a pilot program for this concept.

Continue to support increases in poll worker pay due to increased technical and procedural demands placed on poll workers.
The state increased the amount paid to poll workers from $50.00 to $60.00 per day, many of whom work 12-14 hours on election day and are required to attend training prior to the election. County government may also supplement poll worker pay.

Deletion of the legal requirement that a witness’s signature be required on an absentee ballot envelope.
Absentee ballots are not counted if there is no witness signature on the ballot envelope even though voter qualifications have been verified. In the November 2006 election over 400 absentee ballots were not counted because the witness signature was missing even though there is no verification required for witnesses. Legislation has been introduced to address this issue. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed.

Amend the SC Code of Law to allow any registered voter in South Carolina to serve as a poll worker in any county in South Carolina.
Recruiting poll workers has become increasingly difficult and a poll worker can only work within the county in which they reside. This measure would allow trained poll workers to cross county lines to work on election day.

Uniform election dates for all municipalities. This date would be the first Tuesday after the first Monday, in November of odd numbered years.
Our local municipal elections are currently held during odd numbered years.

Opposition to reinstating registration by party in South Carolina.
Voters are not registered by political party in South Carolina. On primary election day, the voter may choose a political party with whom to participate. Once a party choice is made, for that primary election, only one ballot may be voted. The primary is only a nomination process for a political party; whereas the general election a voter may split the ticket among various political parties and candidates of their choice.

The most important issue on any election day is that every qualified voter is given an opportunity to vote and that every vote is counted. South Carolina has historically been in the forefront of voting rights issues and political participation. 2008 will be no exception. If you have any questions regarding your voter registration status, please do not hesitate to contact the Georgetown County Registration and Elections Office located at 303 Hazard Street in Georgetown (843-545-3339), or contact the SC State Election Commission at http://www.state.sc.us/scsec/us.html.

Keep Caucus Meetings Open

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:59:00 +0000

I would like to echo the sentiments of a recent letter to the editor regarding closed meetings of the House Republican Caucus. This week the House Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to continue to keep our caucus meetings open to the public and to the press. Caucus meetings are held each Tuesday morning in the Blatt Building, which is public property owned by the taxpayers of the state.
The recent scenario to exempt a Caucus of the General Assembly from the Freedom of Information Act began when the Rules Committee met shortly before session to pass new rules changes for consideration in what was deemed an “emergency meeting”. While it is customary to make rules changes within the first few weeks of session, there was no valid reason for an “emergency meeting”.
The proposal to change the House rules was presented on the House floor without 24 hour written notification, which is required for all bills. Since rules are not considered legislation a motion to have the rules change debate postponed for one day was denied, as well as, all other motions that would slow the process giving members time to study the proposals overnight. In the past copies of the rules changes have been given to members for review before voting, but in this instance, members did not have access to copies of the changes until after the debate began and requests were made.
Rep. Doug Jennings (D) Marlboro County, pleaded with the body to reconsider the proposal which flies in the face of the Freedom of Information Act, as well as, our accountability to the public. He also stated that the Rules committee meeting set precedence for any public body to hold an “emergency meeting”. His argument convinced many Republican House members to vote against the rules change, but not enough to defeat the measure which passed by a 59-52 vote. The vote for passage was a partisan vote with the exception of two Democrats from the midlands.
I, along with most members serving in the General Assembly were not there in the late “80’s during South Carolina’s Operation Lost Trust, but most South Carolinians remember this as a blight on our state’s political process. Operation Lost Trust eventually led to stricter ethics laws, more public accountability and “sunshine” relating to the actions of all public bodies, as it should be.
Caucus meetings are held to discuss opinions regarding legislation, policy and public business and should not be exempted from law.

SCASA Winter Conference

noreply@blogger.com (webmaster) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:35:00 +0000

What an honor to have been asked to participate in the SC Association of School Administrators Winter Conference this weekend. Rep. Bill Bowers and I were invited to speak with school administrators from around the state on upcoming legislative issues. The main topics discussed were school choice, virtual schools, early childhood development, school finances and school district consolidation.

Georgetown County Schools were well represented by a host of administrators and staff including Dr. Randy Dozier and Principal Keith Brown from Waccamaw High School.

WHS is a finalist for the distinquished Palmetto's Finest Award. My best to WHS in accomplishing this outstanding acheivement and thank you to all for your hard work and dedication.