Lawmakers may change election method in wake of Sanford scandal

December 30, 2009 by senatormcconnell

As the new year dawns, lawmakers in the state are looking to the next session at the Statehouse to accomplish a big legislative agenda that reflect a year of scandals from the governor’s mansion and a greater crackdown on crime.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said the governor’s affair is sparking a move to allow voters to decide if the governor and lieutenant governor should run on the same ticket. “Secondly, we make it where it’s SLED’s call as to whether or not there’s security, not the governor so he can’t order them to stand down,” said McConnell.

Money is also on the minds of lawmakers in the upcoming session.
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SC bill would define when lt. gov. takes over

December 10, 2009 by senatormcconnell

A proposed bill in South Carolina would define the chain of command should a governor go missing again.

The bill filed Wednesday by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell would specify the lieutenant governor would be in charge during a public emergency if the governor is out of state and has been out of touch for 12 hours.
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Bills seek to tighten spending

December 10, 2009 by senatormcconnell

Prefiled legislation aims for smaller government, budgets

The Republican leadership of the 46-member state Senate will put smaller government and more austere budgeting at the top of its 2010 agenda, though it is clear lawmakers also have not forgotten the year that was 2009.

Senators prefiled more than 100 bills Wednesday for the legislative session that begins in January, including one that seeks to clarify the lieutenant governor’s authority to act in a state emergency in the governor’s absence.

Another measure, also filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, would require the State Law Enforcement Division to protect and provide security to both the governor and lieutenant governor, whether they want it or not. Read more

Senate Leaders Introduce Government Streamlining Bill

December 9, 2009 by senatormcconnell

S.C. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman, and Majority Leader Harvey Peeler filed a bill today to create the Commission on Streamlining Government and Reduction of Waste that will work to streamline and pare down the size and growth of state government. The need of state government to be downsized has been long overdue. This major restructuring effort would be led by lawmakers and private sector business leaders. Read more

Sen. McConnell introduces zero-based budgeting bill

December 9, 2009 by senatormcconnell

S.C. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell has introduced a bill continuing Senate conservatives’ efforts to make the state budgeting process more responsible. In the usual budget process, the previous year’s appropriations are taken for granted and only increases are seriously assessed. With zero-based budgeting, every dollar is given a hard look as every agency’s functions and expenditures are comprehensively reviewed.

“In tough times like these, it’s even more incumbent on legislators to be faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars,” McConnell said. “Zero-based budgeting will serve our state well now, and even more so when times are good.” Read more

Statement on passing of Treasurer Grady Patterson

December 7, 2009 by senatormcconnell

Columbia, SC – December 7 – South Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell today issued the following statement:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Grady Patterson. He was someone who truly loved his state and his nation. He spent his entire adult life devoted to both his service to our country in the armed forces and in his public service to our state. The hallmark of his career is that he endeavored to make South Carolina a better place. Hopefully, his life will be an example to all of us of what public service should and can mean. He will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to call him a friend, and those who didn’t have the honor of meeting him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this sad time.”