Legislative eNews-september 29
Local
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Endorses Two Local Referendums
On Wednesday, September 27, the Board of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce approved resolutions on two local referendums.
The first is a referendum for county citizens to approve the local transportation sales and use tax to fund critical transportation infrastructure: The chamber resolution reads in part:
Whereas, the referendum includes unfunded projects listed as priorities in the Southern Beaufort County Capital Improvements Plan developed by engineering, planning, and administrative officials representing the Towns of Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Port Royal, the City of Beaufort and the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and
Whereas, projects identified are consistent with the Southern Beaufort County Regional Plan and the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan, and
Whereas, the transportation needs of the county are critical and funding for these projects is necessary for continued economic vitality and public safety.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce supports the passage of the one-percent transportation sales and use tax referendum and will dedicate resources as necessary to ensure its passage. The chamber urges the citizens of the county to vote ‘yes’ on the referendum on November 7, 2006.
The second would continue the county’s highly-successful Rural and Critical Use Program. The chamber resolution reads in part:
Whereas, the chamber supports the continuation and funding of the Rural and Critical Land Preservation program to purchase open land, development rights and conservation easements in all areas of Beaufort County under the stewardship of the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Board with final approval from the Beaufort County Council; and
Whereas, the Rural and Critical Land Preservation program is especially important during this time of rapid growth, because it diminishes the possibility of development in sensitive areas and helps reduce the increase in the burdens placed on highway systems and public services; and
Whereas, the chamber supports efforts to alleviate traffic congestion in high growth areas and to protect water quality, natural lands, wildlife areas, farmland, parkland, coastal areas, rivers and wetlands.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved, the Hilton Head Island- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce supports passage of the Rural and Critical Lands Program Bond Referendum and urges the citizens of Beaufort County to vote in support of the referendum on November 7, 2006.
Beaufort Legislative Delegation to Meet
The Beaufort County Legislative Delegation will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 3 in the Beaufort County council chambers. A public-comment period will precede the business portion of the agenda.
County Council Moves Toward Impact Fee Increases
On Monday, the Beaufort County Council gave the second of three necessary votes of approval to increase road impact fees for new homes in southern Beaufort County. The fees, which will be subject to a public hearing and a third vote of approval next month, will address an estimated need of $293 million for road improvements in the southern part of the county for the next 20 years according to the county officials.
County Council to Address Illegal Immigration
On Monday, October 2, the Beaufort County Council Community Service and Public Safety Committee will meet to consider a proposal by Councilwoman Starletta Hairston to crack down on illegal immigration. Under the proposal, the county’s business license fee program would in part be used to police the employment of undocumented workers by possibly revoking a business’ license if it is found to hire illegals. Landlords could be fined or lose a yet-to-be established rental license if they lease to illegal immigrants. It also would allow deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office to inquire about a person's citizenship or immigration status if they're detained for a crime.
Smoking Ban
On Monday, October 3, the Town of Hilton Head Public Safety Committee will meet to consider Councilman John Safay’s proposal to ban smoking in all public areas.
Earlier this week, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control declined to take an official position on the local ban, but reiteterated the Surgeon General’s report that advocates eliminating smoking in all indoor spaces because it fully protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Having a nonsmoking section or using ventilation systems does not eliminate the exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke, the report says.
A majority of businesses that responded to the chamber survey say they support efforts to ban smoking in all indoor workplaces on Hilton Head Island. In the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce poll, 78 percent or respondents said they would support a local ban.
The chamber has yet to weigh-in on the proposal officially until the final ordinance language is drafted.
State
State Legislature to Consider Immigration Measure
State lawmakers began meeting last week to discuss proposals, similar to the law passed in Georgia last year, that will address growing concerns about illegal immigration. State legislators involved in the meeting report that they hope to introduce a bill in January with wide support in the Statehouse. A study group, chaired by Senator Jim Ritchie from Spartanburg, has been created to study how to best address illegal immigration. The committee first met on September 19 and meets again on October 10.
The Georgia law being looked to as a model, would require people to show proof of legal residence before receiving benefits administered by the state; require state contractors to verify their employees' legal status through a federal verification program; authorize local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws; and require the verification of the legal status of anyone charged with a felony.
State Sales Tax on Food Lowered
The tax reduction passed as part of the property-tax-relief legislation lawmakers approved earlier this year kicks into effect this Sunday. The tax reduction reduces the 5 percent statewide sales tax on unprepared foods to 3 percent.
Federal
Congress Set to Adjourn for Elections
The United States Congress is set to adjourn this weekend until after the November 7 elections. They must return in a lame duck session to finish several appropriations bills and other “must pass” legislation.
Immigration/H-2B
Congress will not have an immigration bill, one of the top priorities of the administration, to campaign on in November. The immigration bill, having never found consensus among the various parties, will not be addressed until later this year or in the next Congressional session.
However, the critical H-2B provision needed by our local hospitality industry is included in an unrelated bill that we hope will pass before Congress adjourns this weekend.
REMEMBER TO REGISTER TO VOTE! YOU CAN CONTACT THE CHAMBER IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE!
