Columbia, S.C. – Rep. Nikki Haley (R-District 87) was recognized earlier this month by S.C.’s leading taxpayer advocacy group for her recent successful efforts to require legislative votes on the record. Haley was honored with the “Friend of the Taxpayer” award from the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers, a group that represents the taxpayer and is known for being well-informed on government spending.

Earlier this year, the S.C. House of Representatives passed new rules governing how member’s votes are recorded. Haley was the leader of that effort arguing, “on the record legislative votes make state government more open and accountable to the people we serve.” Prior to these new rules, it was difficult to find out how each Representative voted on specific bills.

“This was an issue that was worth fighting for,” Haley said. “By having more votes on the record we will see a conscience and level of accountability that was previously lacking in state government.”

Don Weaver, president of the S.C. Association of Taxpayers said, “We congratulate Rep. Nikki Haley on her receiving our Friend of the Taxpayer award. Her dedication to open government, by pushing for more recorded votes in the S.C. House, was a courageous move.”

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