Right-wing special interest group ALEC is exempt from SC lobbying laws - The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council is exempt from South Carolina lobbying restrictions, according to a state representative who has called upon his colleagues to leave the corporate-funded special interest group, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. State law specifically exempts ALEC from the law prohibiting lobbyists from offering favors to public officials in the form of trips, entertainment and other bribe-like accommodations, according to Rep. Boyd Brown.
SC lawmaker, congressional candidate discusses decision to leave ALEC - State Rep. Ted Vick (D-Chesterfield) became the first state lawmaker to leave the shadowy corporate-funded special interest ALEC, which writes right-wing cookie-cutter legislation for its members to introduce in their respective statehouses, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. Vick appeared on MSNBC’s The Ed Show to discuss his decision to leave the group, and why it’s been a long time coming.
Republicans’ “war on women” comes to South Carolina - There’s been a great deal of coverage lately about Republicans’ “war on women,” a GOP battle against women’s rights on everything from availability of contraception to access to child care, Palmetto Public Record reported yesterday. But if you think that battle has only been fought by out-of-state extremists in states other than our own, think again. The war on women is alive and well in South Carolina, and is being waged right in our own state legislature.
SC Senate considers 4% raise for state workers - State senators are looking for an extra $28 million to give state workers a 4 percent pay raise, but they might have to raise taxes on businesses to do it, according to The State’s Adam Beam. House lawmakers already have approved a 2 percent raise for state workers by adding an extra $28 million to their version of the state budget that takes effect July 1.
Money could help cancer screenings, but at a price to other health programs - Anti-smoking advocates who fought for years to increase the state cigarette tax are disappointed by proposed legislation that would reduce by half the portion of the tax revenue spent on smoking cessation efforts, according to The State’s Joey Holleman. But they also appreciate the goal of the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Brian White, to put more money into screening for cancer.
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