The House pressed forward with a number of initiatives directed toward reforming how government works, rebuilding our rural economies, and making South Carolina safer.

During this time, we also enjoyed two noteworthy addresses to joint sessions of the House and Senate by the National Commander of the American Legion, Hon. Clarence Hill and by Hon. Jean Hoefer Toal, the Chief Justice of South Carolina.

The most significant highlight of our activities on Thursday, March 4, involved improving upon the economic development plans of the House leadership.

The House of Representatives passed the “South Carolina Economic Development Competitiveness Act of 2010.” The core of this bill consists of tax incentives for the growth of business in this state, with an emphasis on bringing in corporate headquarters and making investments in homegrown and renewable energy sources.

Here are some additional highlights from this week:

Making South Carolina Safer — Illegal for people to own, operate, or sell a vehicle with a secret compartment.

Improving Access to Alternative Transportation — Clarified the definition of a moped, and to reduce barriers to licensure, to make ownership of fuel efficient mopeds easier.

Protecting Medical Rights — “Independent Autopsy Fairness Act” to provide written notification of the right to an autopsy to the family of a person who dies in the hospital, and to make this notification mandatory within 24 hours.

Help Easing the Financial Burden of Medical Care — “Family Medical Crisis Debt Relief Act” which would provide a suspension of financial obligations under contracts for 180 days in cases where a person or their family member is diagnosed with a lifethreatening or terminal illness.

Increasing Energy Efficiency in Homes — Allow energy companies to make loans to finance energy efficiency improvements for people’s houses. While keeping existing community action partnership initiatives, this measure increases homeowner access to funds used to insulate homes and add other efficiency improvements.

With our state suffering the worst economic recession in 75 years, more than 600,000 people out of work, and with a half billion dollar budget deficit, the House continues to fight to give the working families of South Carolina the ethical, accountable, and jobs-oriented government they deserve.

If you have a comment or opinion concerning the matters discussed in this report, or if I may be of assistance to you at any time, please feel free to call your legislative office in Columbia at (803-734-3073), or write to me at Office 422A Blatt Building, Columbia, S.C. 29211.