I want to thank everyone from across the state that has helped in the movement to require legislative votes on the record. Despite the cuts and bruises, we have made progress in this fight. The Rule passage in January gave us an unprecedented number of votes on the record. That Rule does not include uncontested bills (those that do not have debate) and the Rule is temporary and can be adjusted every new session.
H.3047 Spending Accountability Act would require ALL votes to be on the record and its passage would make it a permanent law. We had a win this past week getting the bill passed out of subcommittee. We had a setback in that full Ways and Means was scheduled to meet Wednesday and was postponed and later cancelled.
The full committee has not scheduled a meeting at this time. My hope was that it would pass full committee this week and be on the floor of the House for a vote next week. Next week we are scheduled to be in debate in the House all three days and it is unclear whether Ways and Means will meet at all.
The House is scheduled for another furlough week the week of May 4th, so not having a full committee meeting this week was a major setback. There is always a chance they could call a meeting at the last minute. If that happens we should already be prepared.
My request to you is this:
Make your voice heard. Contact the members of Ways and Means as well as all legislators in the House and let them know that you want H.3047 passed unamended to the House floor for a vote before we end for the year. Spread the word in every way possible. Below are the links of Ways and Means members and the full list of the House.
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/html-pages/housecommlst.html#way
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/html-pages/housemembers.html
I will continue to make the point that these votes belong to you. Legislators should not decide which votes you see and which you don’t. If it is important enough to be heard on the floor of the House, it is important enough to know exactly where your legislator stands on the issue.
I am committed to this issue because I know what good government can look like. I want you to know what it feels like. Together I believe that by passing H. 3047 we will have taken the first step to moving South Carolina government in the right direction for the people.
Thank you for your voice and commitment in this effort
