THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA The Senate Finance Budget Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Economic Development will hold a hearing on H.4717 (Farm Aid Bill) on Tuesday, March 15.
The Senate gave third reading to H.3579 (Infrastructure Funding) as amended. The amended bill would direct $400 million in recurring revenue from the state's General Fund to the state's Highway Fund. There is no gas tax component in the current version of the bill. Also in this version, Governor would appoint eight SCDOT commissioners (one from each Congressional District and one at-large that would serve as chair). Commissioners would continue to serve the four-year staggered terms they currently follow and the DOT Commission would appoint DOT Secretary. Both the commission and the secretary would ultimately have to be confirmed by the Senate. Finally, this version of the bill would require the State Infrastructure Bank to submit all road construction projects to the DOT Commission for final approval. The bill now goes back to the House.
The State Budget Process The House of Representatives is expected to begin their work on the state budget the week of March 21.
The Senate Finance Committee will continue holding budget subcommittee hearings through early April.
The Senate Finance Committee budget hearings for Clemson E&G and Clemson PSA are both scheduled for Wednesday, March 16.
Detailed information on Clemson's 2016 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 may be found at these links:
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.
CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL 2016 ACC Student Advocacy DC Trip Students representing several ACC schools are in Washington, D.C. for the ACC's annual Student Advocacy conference. While on Capitol Hill, the students will network and discuss issues with their ACC counterparts. They will also visit their respective Congressional delegation offices to advocate on behalf of their universities. Clemson has six student leaders representing the University at the conference this week.
FYI Members of the State 4-H Teen Council and 4-H students and agents from across the state will travel Columbia this Wednesday, March 16, for their annual legislative day.
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