Legislative eNews
Local
County Budget Hearing
The Beaufort County Council held a hearing at the Hilton Head Library on Thursday evening discussing its FY 2007 budget. County Controller Tom Henrikson summarized the county government's $89 million operating budget for FY 2007, which represents a spending increase of about $9 million over the current year. The county's proposed spending includes money for 47 new employees, 33 new vehicles and some salary adjustments. The county also would add $3.17 million annually to its Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program. The council is scheduled to hear a second reading of the proposed budget at its meeting on June 12, followed by a final reading on June 26.
Town of Hilton Head Ordinance to Create New Disaster Relief Fund
Head Town Council approved the first reading on proposed ordinance 2006-16, which would establish a beach preservation fee disaster relief fund for the purpose of providing access to financial resources on an immediate basis to respond to needs created by a natural disaster. The fund would include a new advertising reserve. The Town will set aside 2% of the 2% local hospitality tax and 5% of the 1% local accommodations tax revenues collected annually into a disaster advertising reserve account. These funds are held in reserve for disaster management communications oriented programs. The fund will be used to provide post disaster advertising, a communications link to emergency agencies, and media programs to provide public notice. The total amount of funds to be deposited in the reserve for this purpose will not exceed $1 million. Annual interest earned on funds in the reserve will also be deposited into the account.
Together for Beaufort
Beaufort County Council Chair Weston Newton unveiled a new project called Together for Beaufort: Our County, Our Future. The project stems from a community indicator project that identified areas where collectively the citizens of the county can work together to improve the lives of all. The project has four goals to be met by 2012, including: building an economy that supports a sustainable quality of life; breaking the cycle of illiteracy by exceeding national educational standards; breaking the cycle of poverty that impacts children, the elderly, and the working poor; and balancing growth in a manner that promotes and protects the health of our residents and our environment. The chamber serves on the Leadership Council of the project. To see the full report and become involved in the project refer to www.cf-lowcountry.org
State
Budget Update
Gov. Mark Sanford pledged to take his message of cutting spending in the state budget directly to the people since the General Assembly decided to engage in "budget gamesmanship" before they adjourned last week. Sanford had wanted to deliver his budget vetoes before the June 13 primaries, but was stopped when the General Assembly adjourned without ratifying the plan. The legislature will return the June 14-16 to finish up business, including the budget.
Federal
Permanent Repeal of the Estate Tax Voted Down
The US Senate, by a vote of 57-41, fell three votes short of permanently repealing the federal estate tax. Senators Graham and DeMint voted to permanently repeal the estate tax. After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist vowed to hold another vote to repeal the tax later this year.
H-2B Visa
Due largely to the work of local chamber members, Senator Lindsey Graham agreed to cosponsor S. 2284, a much-needed piece of legislation to ensure our local tourism industry has the necessary workforce. The chamber greatly appreciates Senator Graham's support.
