Clemson Advocates Legislative Update--March 10, 2014
Story Date: 3/10/2014

March 10, 2014 THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA Fertilizer Inspection Fees (S.699) was passed by the House and is enrolled for ratification. This bill keeps funding for the fertilizer inspection fee level so that Clemson PSA can continue soil testing and fertilizer inspection programs in support of South Carolina's farmers.   GI Bill In-State Tuition(S.93) and Military In-State Tuition (H.3086) were both reported out of the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee. BUDGET The House of Representatives will convene today, Monday, March 10 to begin deliberations on the state budget. The Senate Finance Committee has begun agency budget subcommittee hearings and will continue this process through early April. The Senate Finance Committee budget hearing for Clemson E&G is scheduled for March 26. 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 Services Activities (PSA) division that receives a state appropriation to support agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension, research and regulatory programs. Detailed information on Clemson’s 2014 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2014-15 may be found at these links: Clemson Education and General (E&G) Priorities Clemson Public Service Activities (PSA) Priorities THE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE ACT The Clemson University Enterprise Act (S.535) was passed by the Senate in May and sent to the House and referred to House Ways and Means Committee.  The Committee has not yet taken action on the bill. BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson.  A complete listing of these bills may be found here.  Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill's current status. FYI The Office of Governmental Affairs is happy to announce that Mark Cothran (Clemson ’00) has joined the team in Columbia as Associate Director of Governmental Affairs.  Mark will work on both state and federal issues for Clemson.  He most recently served as Vice President for Public Policy for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the Upstate Chamber Coalition.  Previously, Mark served as Upstate Office Director for former US Senator Jim DeMint.   "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. The Clemson Advocates website and the Clemson University Governmental Affairs website are also constantly updated with news and information.