Don’t miss last real chance to pass immigration reform

May 6, 2008 by senatormcconnell

The Legislature’s most emotionally charged issue became even more volatile this past week as Gov. Mark Sanford and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell clashed sharply over the Senate’s latest effort to salvage the immigration reform bill. With the clock ticking down toward the end of the session, this revamped bill on its way back to the House is far better than no new law at all.

Unfortunately, abject failure on immigration reform is very much in the offing if the House and Senate can’t come to terms on the issue within the next few weeks. Realists recognize that an immigration reform bill still in the House-Senate conference committee is irrevocably stalled there on a complicated technicality. That’s why reformers in the Senate revived and amended a House immigration bill, which then became the object of a filibuster by Senate Minority Leader John Land. Read more

Immigration Reform Update

May 4, 2008 by senatormcconnell

I wanted to tell you about the actions that the Senate took on immigration reform, and I wanted to give you an accurate record of what occurred. The Senate did amend H.3032, but it did not amend it with a weak bill instead we strengthened it. This bill did not substitute the e-verify with the South Carolina e-verify but kept it. Additionally, what it did was create a South Carolina e-verify which the State of South Carolina could enforce by looking at the documents, by finding those who did not keep the documents, and by bringing fines and criminal charges against those who intentionally or knowingly hired illegals. By creating a South Carolina run verification system, the State, for the first time, was able to impose fines against the violators. Read more

McConnell: Going home early not an option

May 1, 2008 by senatormcconnell

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said Wednesday there is an abundance of legislation yet to be passed this year, and he discounted early adjournment unless the General Assembly finishes its business.

McConnell, R-Charleston, said it’s not unusual for lawmakers to want to go home early in an election year to campaign. But that happens rarely, he said. Read more

Senate leader lashes out at Sanford for ‘cowardice’ remark

May 1, 2008 by senatormcconnell

The leader of South Carolina’s state Senate is reacting harshly to Governor Mark Sanford calling lawmakers cowards for their vote on illegal immigration.

Sanford on Wednesday called senators cowards for not taking a recorded vote on a harsh new illegal immigration bill that passed. The measure would impose fines up to $10,000 for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Read more