Jerry Bellune 22.JAN.09

Lexington Chronicle

The outcasts won.

In a unanimous 115-0 vote last week, the state House of Representatives agreed to more open voting on bills affecting taxes…

The rules change was a victory for two Lexington County lawmakers who risked the wrath of the House leadership in pushing for open government.

Voters will be able to see how House members voted on virtually every significant piece of legislation that is debated, said Rep. Nikki Haley of Lexington.

She and Rep. Nathan Ballentine of Irmo lost key committee assignments as a result of their public campaign for recorded votes.

A Spending Accountability Resolution will require votes on the record for:

• Every second vote on a debated bill.

• Final passage of bills.

• Conference committee reports when the House and Senate compromise.

• Senate amendments to bills that come back for approval to the House.

• Every budget section where one legislator asks for a recorded vote.

The Senate approved similar rules changes earlier.

“The public outcry on this issue made the difference,” Haley said. “From this day forward you will know the spending habits of each legislator and will be able to physically see if they are representing you.”

Gov. Sanford gave credit to Haley and Ballentine for pushing for the change and called for both houses to make the rules changes permanent.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell, who transferred Haley and Ballentine to less important committees, said, “This measure – unanimously adopted by the House – provides for even more true accountability on the major issues.”