THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA After several weeks of deliberation, the Senate passed S.244 (Tort Reform) and sent it to the House. H.3309 (South Carolina Energy Security Act) was passed as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and is set for special order on the Senate calendar. This legislation seeks to aid the state in meeting future energy needs by simplifying building power plants by limiting government restrictions on new projects. H. 3247 was passed by the Senate and enrolled for ratification. This legislation, introduced by Rep. Patrick Haddon (R-Greenville), will allow school districts to excuse absences when students participate in work-based learning experiences, including, but not limited to Future Farmers of America and 4H. THE STATE BUDGET PROCESS The Senate Finance Committee continued agency budget subcommittee hearings and proviso work. The Committee is scheduled to take up the budget the week of April 7. Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees that hear Clemson’s budget requests: Higher Education Subcommittee: Chairman Ronnie Cromer (R-Newberry) Senator Darrell Jackson (D-Richland) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Ross Turner Clemson ’86 (R-Greenville) Senator Tom Young (R-Aiken) Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee: Chairman Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) Senator Kent Williams (D-Marion) Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville) Senator Mike Gambrell Clemson ’80 (R-Abbeville) Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown) From a state budgeting standpoint, Clemson is considered two separate state agencies: a research university that receives an educational and general (E&G) state appropriation for teaching and student support, and a land-grant Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) division that receives a state appropriation to support agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension, research and regulatory programs. The university also has auxiliary operations, such as athletics, student housing and dining services, which receive no state funding and must generate all of their own revenue. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have a potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here: VIEW BILLS. NEWS & FYI Please follow ClemsonGovAff on Twitter. |
