Today, The Board of Economic Advisers certified $180 million additional surplus. In the budget process, you saw several failed attempts for tax relief even though the Senate increased spending by $912 million. Now the new figure is $1.1 billion, we are again proposing tax relief. Sen. Ryberg made a motion to express the desire of the Senate is to return the new funds to the taxpayer. This is simply a suggestion to the Conference Committee to remember the taxpayer as it explores options on this new money. The first priority would be in the form of property tax relief, the next choice would be for gas tax relief. It is very sad to hear the cries of taxpayers begging for relief, and in $1.1 billion, we can’t find a dime to return to the over-charged taxpayer. If my rhetoric is sounding like a broken record, get used to it. I look forward to hearing from you. The motion was carried over until Tuesday…stay tuned!

A simple bill to discontinue recognizing common law marriage is being filibustered by Sen. Rankin (R-Horry). A common law marriage is when the state recognizes a marriage when 2 people are “shacking up” for a certain period of time. I really don’t understand. Last year we voted almost unanimously to define marriage between 1 man and 1 woman. Now we are second guessing God’s most sacred institution. On a related issue, below is a draft of the bumper sticker that will be used to help gain support for the marriage amendment that you will be able to vote on in November. The SC Constitution will define marriage and voter approval is required. Do ya’ll like the design?

Taxpayer’s Association straw poll results
Gov: Sanford 77.60%, Lovelace 22.40%
Lt Gov: Jordan 36.80%, Bauer 36.80%, Campbell 26.40%
Treas: Ryberg 54.60%, Quinn 21.00%, Willis 14.30%, Ravenel 10.10%
Sec of St: Hammond 71.00%, McKown 29.00%
Sup of Edu: Floyd 71.10%, Staton 12.20%, Moffly 6.30%, Wood 3.10%, Ryan 2.30%
Ag Comm: Bell 65.30%, Weathers 34.70%
House 7: Harvell 86.90%, Gambrell 13.10%
House 8: Bowen 66.40%, Martin 33.60%
Council 1: Crowder 54.10%, Waldrep 45.90%
Council 3: Hilley 85.10%, Greer 14.90%Council 4: McAbee 49.50%, Renna 34.00%, Price 16.50%
Council 5: Gilmer 44.10%, Cothran 27.10%, Thompson 15.90%, Holden 9.90%,
Council 6: Wilson 76.10%, Dees 15.40%, Freemantle 8.50%, Council 7: Wilson 85.00%, Ashley-Barnes 15.00%

The Anderson County Republican Party will be hosting an old fashioned stump meeting at the Anderson County Farmers Market on Monday Night. Meet and greet at 5PM, the speeches will start at 6PM. Most state-wide and local candidates plan on attending.