I want to congratulate the SC House for including in their budget $180m in real funds (with a hopeful Federal match) to dredge the Charleston Port. We all know this is a very important project and true funds should be allocated.

Now, the SC Senate wants to add to this fund should the Federal match not come to fruition (maybe because of unsustainable Federal debt?). I support this logic. We can’t cross our fingers, close our eyes, and hope for the Federal money.

While I fully support state funding for the dredging, I cannot consciously support raising SC’s debt ceiling–essentially heaping taxes on our future generations.

This is typical of Columbia. Borrow money to fund the worthwhile projects that everyone supports and then spend everything else of fluff and pork. I cannot and will not sit by while we race to catch up with Washington.

Pictured seated on the right is a long-time friend and patriot, Mr. Bill Trammell in a veteran honor flight this year.Thanks for your service Bill!

In the near future the Panama Canal will be expanded to allow new, larger super tankers. Currently, the Port of Charleston cannot handle these large ships, and everyone agrees that dredging is a great option to help expand the port’s ability to accommodate these larger ships.

This year, the SC House appropriated $180m to dredge the Port of Charleston which would be added to a Federal match totaling the needed $300m. The $180m is funds on hand.

S.1431 is a bill that will commit the extra $120m if the Feds don’t deliver on the match. I understand if SC informs potential port customers that we’ve committed $300m to the dredging, it would be a great benefit.

However, s.1431 raises SC’s debt ceiling and allows the issuance of bonds. Now haven’t we seen this movie before?

I am 100% in favor of the port expansion, however I am 100% opposed to heaping $120m to the already $32b of debt on our future generations.

In the Senate we have a parliamentary maneuver called a “minority report” that is rarely used. It’s what I call the nuclear option. I’ve only authored 2 minority reports in my 2 terms in the Senate as it should be used very selectively.

Being the only “no” vote on Senate Finance today, I had no other option than to sign a minority report on s.1431 and will not ask the required “unanimous consent” to remove it until we find cash on hand to fund this critical project.

This is the oldest trick in the book for politicians. They raise taxes (borrowing is raising taxes on your children) on a very popular, important project, then when you’re not looking, they fund pork projects behind your back.

Duke Sandwich Productions establishing new plant in Anderson County
$5 million investment expected to create 45 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Duke Sandwich Productions, a maker of a variety of sandwich spreads, dips, dressings and dessert items today announced plans to locate its new production facility in Anderson County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 45 new jobs over the next five years.

“We are pleased to move forward with plans to locate our new operations in Powdersville, S.C. Our company has a long history in the Palmetto State and we look forward to continuing to grow and do business here,” said Andrew Smart, CEO of Duke Sandwich Productions.

Duke Sandwich Productions will acquire the former Rock Tenn building, located at 211 Pine Road in Powdersville S.C., to house its new operations. The company will produce a range of sandwich and other spreads there. The facility is expected to be in operation by the end of the third quarter.

“It’s a great day in South Carolina when one of our long-established businesses decides to grow and further invest in our state. We celebrate the 45 new jobs Duke Sandwich Productions will create in Powdersville, and look forward to the company’s continued success in the Palmetto State,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Duke Sandwich Production can trace its history in this state back nearly 100 years, and we appreciate the company’s continued commitment to South Carolina. This announcement grows both our agribusiness and manufacturing sectors,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Agribusiness, agriculture and forestry have been bright spots in South Carolina’s economy, and Duke Sandwich Productions’ announcement is a great example of new investment and job creation in the industry,” said South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

“I am very pleased that Duke Sandwich Productions has selected Anderson County as its new home. We are happy to have this long established company as a new neighbor,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in September. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact SC Works Worklink Center in Anderson at 864-226-6273.

For more information about the company, please visit www.dukesandwich.com.
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Rob Godfrey
Office of Gov. Nikki Haley

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