After nearly a decade of trying, Republicans in the state House of Representatives have finally passed a school voucher bill that gives a tax break to parents of home- and private-school students, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. While supporters of the bill portrayed it as a grassroots effort by South Carolina parents, funding data shows the perennial voucher campaign has been well-funded by out-of-state groups — paid for by a one-man special interest named Howard Rich.
Now on to the headlines:
Haley says again she would turn down VP role - Gov. Nikki Haley said again this week she would not accept the vice presidential slot if it were offered to her, according to the Charleston Post & Courier’s Robert Behre. Haley endorsed and campaigned for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, whom many expect will become the Republican presidential nominee, and she has been mentioned as a possible No. 2 on the GOP ticket.
SC governor embarks on book-selling media blitz, tour - When Gov. Nikki Haley’s new memoir, “Can’t Is Not An Option,” is released today, the Lexington County Republican will be busily selling books — That doesn’t leave much time for governing, according to The State’s Gina Smith. Haley’s public schedule for this week, released Monday, lists only one activity this week. Haley and her immediate family will attend the Family Circle Cup’s 40th-year celebration Saturday on Daniel Island.
Report shows SC owes Rep. Mitchell money in tax case - Suspended state Rep. Harold Mitchell said he has new evidence that will exonerate him of felony tax evasion charges, according to the Spartanburg Herald Journal’s Andrew Doughman. Mitchell, D-Spartanburg, said a report that he commissioned concludes he does not owe any South Carolina personal income tax and also overpaid his state personal income taxes by $1,834 from 2005 through 2008.
Curtis Loftis still pushing pension reform - South Carolina’s $26 billion state pension fund underperforms other states’, and its administrative expenses have soared, Curtis Loftis told a Republican group in the Lowcountry on Monday, according to the Hilton Head Island Packet’s Tom Barton. The Republican state treasurer said South Carolina and other states have over-exposed themselves to risky, nontraditional investments while paying higher fees on slimmer returns.
Rumor: Dems ready impeachment docs against Haley - Democratic members of the S.C. House Judiciary Committee have begun preparing impeachment documents against S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, according to FITSNews. The move revolves around a pending House Ethics Committee investigation into Haley’s pre-gubernatorial business dealings with two companies which hired her while she was a member of the S.C. House of Representatives.
