Apr 17 2012

legislative update

I want to let you know, just beyond the midway point of the session, where we stand on a few issues that are important to you and I. Here’s a brief update.

DEW – The SC Department of Employment and Workforce continues to give away taxpayer money both to those who were fired from their jobs, and those who are simply committing fraud. The Senate passed legislation two weeks ago to halt the former, and I am chairing hearings on the latter. It may take endless doses of sunlight and the embarrassment of DEW, but we will bring these travesties to an end.

Ponzi Scheme – I know that many in our community continue to feel the devastating effects of the scam perpetrated by Atlantic Bullion and Coin. I truly am sorry for the victims, Ann and I keep them in our prayers daily. You likely know that following our town hall meeting an arrest has been made. This matter is being investigated by both state and federal law enforcement, and I am happy to pass on to them any information that you may have. I am glad to tell you that my bill passed the Senate last week that will require the Attorney General to widely publicize all cease and desist
orders so that the public can know exactly whom they’re dealing with.

Public Charter Schools – The Assembly is close to passing legislation to update the statute concerning public charter schools. I authored an amendment that would allow charter school students to play sports and no longer be treated like second class citizens. Unfortunately, the Conference Committee removed this amendment. The Conference Report will be debated next week; we are examining our options to reinstate the fairness to the law. We
will continue to push for all charter school and home school students to equal rights on the playing field, and I expect us to gain more ground in the future.

Obamacare – The Senate passed last week legislation that could remove SC from Obamacare if indeed it survives the US Supreme Court. I hope and pray that the Supreme Court rules in favor of individual liberty against socialized medicine, but just in case, we’re ready in SC to fight off the largest government intrusion in American history.

Life – The Senate is to take up in coming days our “Born Alive” legislation. You may know that Barack Obama voted against this very thing while still a member of the IL Senate. He apparently is comfortable ending innocent life inside or outside the womb. We will put a stop to this barbaric practice in SC, and I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation.

It is an honor to serve you in the Legislature, If you need me, give us a holler!
Kevin

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 16 2012

Mr. Lebanon Elementary 3rd graders

I had a great visit with the 3rd graders at Mt. Lebanon Elementary School this morning. Many thanks to Ms. Melida Reeves and Ms. Mona Fleming for the invitation. I was impressed by the kids attentiveness and interest in government. They knew several things many adults don’t. They new the 3 branches of government and they knew about vetoes and how vetoes are over-riden.

When I speak to kids I often ask this question: Are you a taxpayer? Normally, very few if any raise their hand. Then I ask them if they’ve ever bought anything in a store, then they all understand they are taxpayers indeed. I told them I tried to avoid referring to “my district” since it doesn’t belong to be, it belongs to them. Well, I slipped and said “my district”, and they corrected me. So I continue to use the phrase “the district that I represent”.

I also showed them these illustrations of how much debt we owe. They were shocked.

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 14 2012

s.1408 Constitutional Carry

I’m mistaken for Sen. Ralph Anderson (D-Greenville) by etv. Here are my remarks on the floor at 1st reading.

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 10 2012

s.1408 constitution carry legislation

Simply put, you want to carry a gun, you carry a gun. This legislation will be similar to Vermont’s interpretation of the 2nd amendment to the Constitution. Last time I checked, the 2nd amendment didn’t contain concealed weapons permit (cwp), training, or anything that makes you ask government to honor a constitutional right. I’d like to flip this mentality. We should honor the South Carolinians right to arm themselves and defend themselves by default. If the citizen violates the law, then and only then, we take it away.

S. 1408 does keep the cwp in place, yet optional. Many folks would like to continue the permit for two reasons: several states reciprocate our permit and permit holders are exempt from the federal requirement for a background check for gun purchases.

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 10 2012

Michelin Man adding jobs!

Michelin to grow business in Anderson, Lexington Counties $750 million investment expected to create 500 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Michelin North America, Inc. today announced that the company will expand its Earthmover tire production in South Carolina with a $750 million investment expected to generate 500 new jobs.

“There is unprecedented demand for Michelin Earthmover tires throughout the world,” said Michelin Chairman and President Pete Selleck. “It’s a tribute to the productivity of our employees and the pro-business environment in South Carolina that the company is expanding its Earthmover capacity in the state where we first began manufacturing in the United States.”

When added to the $200 million announced last May in Lexington, this announcement brings the total Michelin investment in South Carolina to almost $1 billion in the last year.

“Michelin has been part of the economic and social fabric of South Carolina since the first tire rolled off the line in 1975 and has been one of our finest corporate citizens,” said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. “It really is a great day in South Carolina when our largest manufacturer reaffirms its commitment to the state.”

“It’s always rewarding when new companies locate in South Carolina, but it’s even better when companies like Michelin that have been here for decades decide to expand and grow,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “It is a tribute to Michelin and its 8,000 employees in the state that the company has decided to grow their presence here.”

“We are pleased to recognize the achievements of Michelin North America. The recent expansion of Lexington plants US#5 and US#7 greatly strengthened the economic activity in our area and helped to foster the growth that we are currently experiencing. Today we are excited about the two announcements and delighted to be able to celebrate this milestone achievement by Michelin North America. We are pleased that they are a part of our community and wish them continued success,” said Lexington County Chairman Bill Banning.

“We are extremely proud to continue and strengthen the long running relationship between Michelin, the SC Department of Commerce and Anderson County,” said Tommy Dunn, Anderson County councilman, District 5. “I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of Burriss Nelson and his economic development team in their efforts to cultivate relationships that can benefit from Anderson County’s unique mix of a skilled and willing workforce, the support of Tri-County Technical College and our area’s outstanding quality of life. This is another great day in Anderson County.”

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim B. Apple said, “Michelin’s announcement today of continued expansion in Lexington County, S.C. reaffirms the pro-business environment, quality workforce and strategic location of Lexington County and Central South Carolina. We congratulate Michelin Corporation on their continued success and we congratulate Lexington County on the continued growth of this great corporate citizen.”

“Michelin’s increased investment in the Upstate speaks volumes to their belief in the South Carolina workforce and its business climate. We are grateful for their contributions to our region and for the jobs they bring to our citizens,” said Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO Hal Johnson.

“Michelin is currently one of the Port of Charleston’s largest customers, and I am very pleased to learn of their plans to expand their manufacturing footprint in South Carolina. Michelin has been a consistent partner and ardent supporter of the deepening of the Charleston Harbor to accommodate the new, larger cargo vessels. This announcement today solidifies the company’s relationship with our port and our state,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

State and local incentives were approved for Michelin’s expansion.

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs more than 22,200 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.

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By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 9 2012

Your New Health Care System – YouTube

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 9 2012

connect

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 9 2012

opt out from Obamacare? healthcare compacts s. 836

The SC Senate has placed S. 836 on special order. S. 836 allows SC to enter into a compact with other states to avoid Obamacare. Objectives of Health Care Compact:

• To organize the states to reassert sovereignty and challenge the assumption that Washington knows what is best on health care policy matters that affect SC citizens.

• To force a conversation on health care and break the health care monopoly in DC

• To provide a non-partisan alternative to the current system. The Health Care Compact pre-dates ACA and is 100% non-partisan

CONSTITUTION BASIS FOR HCC: Section 1, Article 10 of the Constitution explains interstate compacts and provides that Congress must approve these compacts

When HCC is approved by Congress, it will:

• Give states the authority and funding for all healthcare programs with the exceptions of Indian Affairs and Veteran Affairs
• Re-establish state sovereignty over health care (interstate compact trumps federal health care regulation)
• Not force any state to act. States have the ability to implement or not implement. A state may leave compact with 6 months notice.

HCC PROCESS

• Philosophical Step—Do you agree States should be partners in solving health care problems? No fiscal impact. Helps build a critical mass of states to force a conversation with Congress on health care.
• Congressional Approval—This will give states the final parameters of compact approval so they can make informed decisions on whether to proceed.
• Implementation—State legislature plans, designs, and implements healthcare programs at the state level

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •

Apr 8 2012

Resurrection Day Video

By Kevin Bryant • Uncategorized •