Governor Ignores Three-Fourths of Budget in Lashing Senate

Gov. Nikki Haley's press conference earlier this week was strong on style and a bit short on substance.

BCB OKs $21 Million More for Clemson Wind Turbine Center

Clemson gets OK to boost budget for wind turbine test facility by $21 million.

1,200 Hours to Be a Lawyer in S.C. … 1,500 Hours to Be a Barber?

It takes more schooling to become a barber in South Carolina than to pass law school.

Hundreds of Expired Terms on State Panels Raise Concerns

More than 600 positions on state boards, commissions and advisory committees have expired – the vast majority of which are appointed by the governor – leaving many volunteer panelists to serve years longer in “holdover” status, a review by The Nerve found.

Panel Strips Economic Development from Firefighting Bill

As first written, the bill would have directed 7 percent of the revenue from state taxes on insurance premiums to the Forestry Commission for firefighting and “forestry industry economic enhancement.”

Bill Would Add Forester to State Economic Development Board

The S.C. Forestry Commission is supporting a bill to put its director on an obscure state board with vast control over South Carolina’s economy. The board is named the S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development.

Politics Threatens to Derail Restructuring

Causal and keen observers alike might have heard rumblings about expanding government bureaucracy, along with concerns about protecting the state’s credit rating. The facts, however, do not confirm alarms about those matters.

Critics Question Rate Increases for Nuclear Plant

A state law that allows utilities to charge their customers in advance for the construction of a nuclear plant is being used to fleece ratepayers for an expansion project at the V.C. Summer nuclear plant in Fairfield County, critics contend.

Another Top SCRA Executive to Depart

The S.C. Research Authority, beset by loss of top executives over the past two years, is losing Rick Self, president of SCRA Applied R&D, one of its most important divisions.

Verifying Governor's Job Claims Remains Elusive

Gov. Nikki Haley continues to tout job announcements left and right, but it remains unclear how many of the positions are actually being created because no one in South Carolina state government wants to track whether companies follow through.

S.C. High Court to Hear Disability Case Affected by State Budget Cuts

The S.C. Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear a case involving a disabled Lancaster woman who contends in court papers that the state broke the law when it reduced her in-home care services because of budget cuts.

Local Lake Business Owners Say They’re Drowning in State Regs

Several small business owners on Lake Murray say state rules and rental rates are putting such a dent in their profits that they’re cutting into their livelihoods.

Legislature’s Watchdog Agency Lives on Bare-Bones Diet

Landmark legislation, which became law earlier this year, codified the creation of an inspector general’s office with broad powers in the executive branch of state government. But what about the General Assembly’s inspector general, the Legislative Audit Council?

Former SCRA Chairman: Turnover No Surprise

Former SCRA Chairman Bill Masters says problems at the agency are systemic.

House Committee Gives Nod to Fresh on the Campus Bill

Fresh on the Campus bill gets favorable committee report.

Executive Turnover Hits SCRA

The S.C. Research Authority pays extremely well, but that hasn't helped it retain top executives.

Vendor-Preference Bill: Boost to S.C. Businesses, or Bust for S.C. Taxpayers?

South Carolina companies would have an easier time getting state contracts of more than $500,000 under an S.C. House bill, though some critics contend that taxpayers could wind up paying more if the proposal becomes law.

House Version of FY13 Budget Calls for $1 Billion-Plus Increase

The Nerve’s review of a budget document produced by the Office of State Budget, known as the “summary control document,” shows that compared to the ratified state budget for this fiscal year, which started July 1, the recently passed House version of the fiscal year 2013 budget would increase total authorized spending by more than $1 billion.

HPV Vaccine Bill Could Provoke Controversy

An S.C. House bill to have the state provide optional vaccinations to middle school girls against a sexually transmitted disease known as the HPV virus could prove to be controversial.

Senate Clerk Still Mum on Budget Details

S.C. Senate Clerk Jeffrey Gossett apparently is in no mood to publicly discuss his chamber’s proposed $12 million-plus budget for next fiscal year.

Market Bulletin Mystery Raises Legal, Constitutional Questions

It might sound like a trivial affair, but it actually carries legal and constitutional implications: The S.C. Department of Agriculture and Gov. Nikki Haley’s office disagree about whether the department’s Market Bulletin publication is a money-losing operation.

Bill to Make Insurance Director Elected Post Gets Favorable Report

Bill to make insurance director elected post gets favorable report from a Senate subcommittee. 

Democrats Lay Out Ethics Reform Plan for S.C.

S.C. Democrats unveil ethics-reform package.

Nerve Wins Awards in Annual Press Association Contest

The Nerve received three South Carolina Press Association awards at the association’s annual awards meeting Saturday in Folly Beach.

Bill to Give Arts Commission Steady Funding Gets Favorable Report

Senate subcommittee gives favorable report on bill that would give steady funding to S.C. Arts Commission.

Legislation Looks to Take “Palmettovore” Program to Schools

Legislation would let school districts join program that puts S.C. produce and goods in schools.

Obscure New Agency Would Grow Under Restructuring Bill

A little-known state economic development agency created two years ago but not yet in operation would grow even more under the S.C. Senate’s version of a bill creating a Department of Administration.

Lobbying by State Agencies Continues Despite State Ban

Sixteen state agencies and institutions collectively have spent at least $320,000 since June lobbying the S.C. General Assembly, despite a state budget proviso banning those agencies from using general funds for that purpose, a review by The Nerve has found.

Grassroots' Organizations Call on State Leaders for 'Real Reform'

Grassroots activists takes lawmakers and the governor to task over Department of Administration bill.

Senate Passes DOT Transparency Bill

A bill to require the S.C. Department of Transportation to create and maintain an online database of all expenditures by the agency is halfway through the General Assembly.

Obscure Program Revises Process, Accountability Remains Illusory

After three years of questions, the S.C. Lieutenant Governor's Office still cannot provide the legislative basis for the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Program.

Agriculture, Governor: Grow Agency’s Advertising Spending

Half of state Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weather's requested funding increase, $1.5 million, is for annually recurring money to advertise South Carolina agricultural products.

South Carolina’s $1.5 Billion Piggy Bank

The Nerve’s review of a 656-page document produced by the Office of State Budget, formally known as the “detailed base budget” and dubbed “the brick,” found that 99 state agencies, divisions and separate funds started this fiscal year on July 1 with a collective $1.498 billion surplus in “other” funds.

Bill Could Give Arts Commission Secure Source of Funding

A House bill would provide the S.C. Arts Commission with a set percentage of state admission tax revenues, rather than have the commission’s funding held to what some see as the vagaries of politics.

Senate Bill Seeks to Make Top Insurance Post an Elected Position

A Grand Strand legislator wants the state’s director of insurance to be an elected position, rather than one appointed by the governor.

Clemson Sustainability Program in Line for $445,000 in State Funds

The S.C. Commission on Higher Education got approval from the Joint Other Funds Oversight Committee on Jan. 19 to present a request to the Office of State Budget for $445,240 for Clemson’s “Endowed Chair in Sustainable Development,” part of the SmartState program.

Lawmakers Seek to Regulate Yet Another Profession

Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, has filed a bill that would create a music therapy board, place the board under the oversight of the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and prohibit the practice of music therapy without a license.

Barber Claims HIV Spread by Unclean Razors

A barber claims HIV is spread by unclean razors while appearing before a S,C, Senate subcommittee that was looking at the idea of deregulating the cosmetology industry in S.C.

Charleston Council Appears to Have Resolved I-526 Issue

Charleston County Council appears to have resolved I-526 issue.

End of the Road for I-95 Corridor Authority?

A legislative showdown is brewing over an S.C. Senate bill that would create another state agency whose purported goal is to improve economic conditions in historically poor, rural counties along Interstate 95.

LLR Report Clarifies Position on Deregulating Auctioneering

The S.C. Auctioneers’ Commission isn’t in danger of being dismantled – as was recommended by one state agency not too long ago – but the time is ripe for deregulating the industry, according to a recent report.

'You Can't Let Somebody Stick Fix-a-Flat on Your Rear End'

Increased regulation of business isn't always the answer, S.C. Senate Shane Massey tells a group of cosmetologists.

Senate Panel Considers Nixing, Scaling Back Occupational Regulations

A state Senate panel has been considering deregulating aspects of cosmetology and certain other licensed industries in South Carolina.

Sex Offender Treatment Costs Skyrocket, Records Show

More than $82 million has been spent over the past 10 fiscal years to treat designated “sexually violent predators,” while offenders in the program have paid virtually nothing toward their involuntary commitments, state records show.

LLR Licensing Scandal Might Be Linked to Human Trafficking, Report Says

The state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is still grappling with the fallout of a scandal in 2010 involving an FBI inquiry concerning fraudulent cosmetology licenses possibly linked to human trafficking, prostitution and drugs.

Eckstrom Questions Timing of Sale of State-Owned Land

Comptroller General Eckstrom argues during the Dec. 15 Budget and Control Board meeting that a proposal to sell a piece of property owned by the S.C. Department of Transportation should be carried forward, given real estate market conditions.

Still No Resolution in Sight on I-526 Extension

Still no resolution on I-526 for Charleston County Council.

Additional Details of SCRA Lending Revealed; Legality in Question

Some South Carolina banks have had a tough go over the past few years. Hit hard by the ongoing economic downturn, no fewer than seven state financial institutions have been closed by regulators since 2009, while several others have been placed under regulatory-enforcement actions of one sort or another.

Additional Details of SCRA Lending Revealed; Legality in Question

The S.C. Research Authority approved nearly $1 million in loans to five separate entities – including a consortium created by some of the biggest entities in the state and an alternative-fuel vehicle manufacturer eligible for tens of millions of dollars in state incentives – during fiscal year 2011 alone.

Restructuring: Lots of Talk, Little Action

“Restructuring” might have been the buzzword of this year’s legislative session, but in the end, there was a whole lot of talk – and even an emergency S.C. Supreme Court ruling – with no concrete results.

Making Sense of SC Launch Numbers No Easy Task

Questions still remain after the S.C. Research Authority responded to an S.C. Freedom of Information Act request for information on how its affiliate SC Launch spent approximately $18 million in state money over the past three years.

Making Sense of SC Launch Numbers No Easy Task

Questions still remain after the S.C. Research Authority responded to an S.C. Freedom of Information Act request for information on how its affiliate SC Launch spent approximately $18 million in state money over the past three years.

Senator Grills Haley Chief of Staff on DHEC Permit

Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, questions Gov. Nikki Haley's chief of staff Tim Pearson on whether the governor attempted to influence the DHEC board to grant a permit to allow the expansion of a Georgia port.

Diverse Leaders See Benefits in Privately Run Ports

A key issue has been overlooked in a political firestorm engulfing a state board’s recent decision to approve a project that could help Georgia better compete against South Carolina in the ports industry.

Ports Authority Chief Cruising toward Top of Pay Scale

Jim Newsome, the chief administrator of the S.C. State Ports Authority, could end up being the highest-paid state employee this fiscal year after the Ports Authority board recently raised his salary from $300,000 to $350,000.

Restructuring: Lots of Talk, Little Action

Millions Misspent Last Year on Unemployment Claims, Suit Claims

Millions Misspent Last Fiscal Year on Unemployment Claims, Suit Contends

The state Department of Employment and Workforce misspent about $87 million in federal unemployment funds last fiscal year, mainly by paying out claims to people who were not eligible, a lawsuit against the agency contends.

State Agencies Cry Poverty While Amassing Large Surpluses

South Carolina’s 33 public colleges and universities collectively amassed nearly $900 million in “unrestricted” assets – generally surplus money that can be spent on anything – as of June 30, according to year-end financial statements reviewed by The Nerve.

Commerce Pay Incentives Nab Big Part Share of BCB's Attention

Sex Offenders Receive Big Bills from State Mental Health Agency

SLED Ripped Off Its Own Retirees, Lawsuit Alleges

Certified SC Grown – Not Always What It Seems

Certified SC grown is not always what is seems.

Ag Commissioner Seeks Money for Alternative Energy

S.C. Agriculture Commission Hugh Weathers requests an interim adjustment of a little more than $600,000 from the Joint Other Funds Oversight Committee during an Oct. 5 meeting.

Keel on How SLED is Funded

LLR Mum on Auctioneering Board About-Face

Ballentine on How to Improve State Government

SLED Director Lays Out Agency's Mission

LLR: A Case Study of Bureaucratic Bungling

Still No Sign of $460M Incentive-Backed AQT Solar

More than eight months after a small, young California company announced it would locate a $460 million solar-cell manufacturing plant in Richland County, creating a purported 1,000 jobs over four years, the massive building it’s supposed to go in remains empty.

SC Launch Grant to MUSC Dean’s Company Raises Questions

There appears to be potential issues with NextRay’s funding from SC Launch. Not only is there a question as to whether NextRay fulfilled the residency requirement necessary to receive funding from SC Launch, but it’s not clear if NextRay was up front in its application about all of its “principals, founders and partners.”

The $29M ‘Invisible’ State Agency

On paper, the recently created S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority will have at least $28.8 million in available revenues this fiscal year, though nothing has been spent yet, a state Budget and Control Board spokeswoman told The Nerve last week.

Richland County Councilman Fighting Federal Complaint

Value of Wind Power Questioned in New Study

Agencies Bank Millions in General Fund Surpluses

While many state agencies have publicly cried poverty over the past several years, at least 16 agencies started fiscal 2011-12 with a general fund surplus of more than $1 million, The Nerve found in a review of a state financial report.

Heritage Corridor Takes Steps After State Audit

S.C. Forester Wants School Payments Cut

Show Me the Money: Finance Officials Differ on State Budget

SCRA Said To Be ‘Cleansing’ its Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia, the free web-based collaborative encyclopedia project that encourages public input on articles, identified the S.C. Research Authority as the location of an Internet protocol address that had earlier this week repeatedly deleted information unfavorable to the state agency.

Upstate Group Fighting Saluda River Project

BCB Handles Public Relations Work for Private Business

By all accounts, Midlands BioFuels is an alternative fuels success story. The Winnsboro company produces 25,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel a month from waste vegetable oil, and while it has received some government support since its inception, Midlands BioFuels is profitable and would be even without government largesse, co-founder Joe Renwick says.

Commerce: Amazon Exemption Won’t Cost State Tax Revenue

The state sales tax exemption granted to Internet retail giant Amazon will not result in any loss of tax revenue to South Carolina, if you ask the S.C. Department of Commerce.

SCRA Paid Nearly $4 Million in Bonuses during 2008-10

The South Carolina Research Authority paid out more than $1.44 million in bonuses to 50 individuals for the 12-month period ending Oct. 23, 2010, the most current data available.

SCRA Intransigence Highlights State's FOIA Flaws

More than half a year after The Nerve submitted an S.C. Freedom of Information Act request to the state agency charged with developing South Carolina’s “knowledge-based economy,” officials with the S.C. Research Authority say they’re ready to comply.

Charleston Council Makes No Progress on I-526 Issue

Amazon Tax Break Heading to S.C. Supreme Court?

Santee Cooper Execs Got Pay, Benefit Hikes Amid Downturn

Since 2007, Santee Cooper’s top 15 executives collectively have received more than $558,000 in pay raises and at least $145,000 in fringe benefit hikes, according to The Nerve’s review of records from the state-owned utility.

Legislators Show Lack of SCRA Knowledge

If South Carolinians were asked in a poll to explain what the S.C. Research Authority is, the vast majority of them probably would be unable to do so.

Paper Trail Scarce Regarding SCRA Chair Selection

While the S.C. Research Authority may cloak itself in an air of mystery, there’s little doubt that state leaders have attached significant importance to the agency’s role in developing the state’s “knowledge economy.”

I-73 Study Called into Question by Some

State’s Top Court Accepts Sales Tax Exemption Case

Davis: Time to Look at 'Other Funds'

House Bill Would Limit Santee Cooper Pay Hikes

Union Pier Forum Fails to Find Common Ground

Senator Eyes Budget Cuts, Tax Refunds

S.C. Sen. Tom Davis wants to cut next year’s proposed state budget by at least $149 million and have that money refunded to South Carolina taxpayers. The senator’s proposed cuts and rebates could be twice that amount, or closer to $300 million, based on calculations he attributes to Senate Finance Committee staff.

SCRA Extends Tentacles into High Finance

SCRA is moving into high finance.

S.C. Research Authority's FOIA Fail

SCRA has gone more than 140 days without fulfilling an S.C. Freedom of Information Act request.

$40 Million Taxpayer Gift to Amazon.com

SCRA Chair Sets Departure Date, Slams Agency

SCRA chairman slams agency in resignation letter.

Masters Sounds Concerns on SCRA in E-Mail

Outgoing S.C. Research Authority Chairman Bill Masters continues to sound a steady drumbeat of concern regarding the state-created agency.

Monday, he sent out an e-mail questioning the direction of the agency, touching on a number of different issues, including the veracity of data provided by SCRA top management to board trustees, high management salaries, SCRA’s accounting practices and whether it funds jobs that go to other states.

SCRA Now Hiring – But Mostly Out of State

Call it mission creep or a basic misunderstanding of the mission, but the S.C. Research Authority – created nearly 30 years ago in part to boost employment in South Carolina – would appear at present to be doing more good for the Missouri Ozarks than the Palmetto State.

Chair Blasts SCRA in Resignation Letter, Report

S.C. Research Authority Chairman Bill Masters’ resignation letter to Gov. Nikki Haley, submitted earlier this month, contains an accompanying report that paints a damning picture of the agency charged with leading South Carolina’s knowledge-based economy.

According to the eight-page report sent to Haley and obtained by The Nerve, Masters states that "SCRA has evolved over the past five years from a scientific research organization into a political organization using its core competency of data and information manipulation to market itself and benefit top management and its allies."

SCRA Executives Took Home $50k-$90k in Bonuses

As South Carolina’s budget woes have worsened over the past couple of years, many state agencies have cut back, leaving unfilled positions vacant, curtailing raises and, in some cases, laying off employees.

State Agencies’ Budgets Grew in FY 10

Masters Calls for Investigation of SCRA Chief

SCRA chairman calls for independent investigation of agency.

Amid Recession, S.C. Senate Staff Gets Pay Raise

A nearly $5 million budget increase this year for the S.C. Senate is helping to cover pay raises for Senate staffers, despite assertions by leaders of the chamber that the money was needed for other, pressing concerns.

Legislature Generous to Itself, Staff

Divisive Plan Scuttled by Investment Commission

Millions at Stake in Retirees' Suit

Secrecy Shrouds Retirement Proposal

Medical Supply Industry Targeted

SCRA Baits and Switches on Pay Hikes

Retirement Plan Raises Questions

Lt. Gov Bauer Paid From Two Taxpayer Pots

Besides his salary as lieutenant governor, Andre Bauer has been paid thousands more is his role as the Senate president.

SCRA Board OKs Pay Hike, Not Transparency

Summit Generates Much Reaction, Little Agreement

Swansea Residents Seek Answers on Grant Money

Bauer Rehires Two Former Staff Members

Probe Reveals $3 Billion Gap in 'Other' Funds

Deficit City: State Agencies Awash in Red Ink

S.C. Taxpayers to Pay Filing Fees?

State Agencies Grow Despite Budget Cuts

Welvista Treated Well by S.C. Legislature

Proposal Targets Lawmaker-Lobby Revolving Door

Magazine Gets S.C. Money, Gives State High Grade

Agencies Raid Special Funds of $9.3 Million

Edge Proposal: $10 Million Tab for Medicaid?

Mulvaney Aims At Conflicts of Interest

SLC Donors Spent Heavily On Lobbying

CRDA Uses Public Money to Push Command Economy

Law, Lobbying Firms Pay for Conference

BCB Fund Raid Illegal, Clyburn Says

Thinking Outside the Box

War of Words: Leventis Targets Ozmint Again

Budget Board Battle Royale: The Guv's Veto

Senator to Push Next Year for New State Agency

Senate to Take Up Remaining Budget Vetoes

More Than 50 Budget Vetoes Upheld by House

Miley Study Touts Boeing Incentives

Santee Cooper Raises Salaries of Top Executives

USC Trustees Fail to Pony Up for Moore School Challenge

It’s ‘Me First’ for Legislators Come Budget Time

Saving Children or Fleecing Taxpayers?

SCRA: Key Player in Proposed State Agency

Legislative Budgets Play Shell Game with Medicaid

A Look at S.C.’s Top 10 Agency Heads by Salary

Going Rogue: DHEC Fights Cabinet Status

Senate Passes Bills in Phantom Session

S.C. Senate: Charity Starts at Home

Assuming the budget passed Thursday by the full Senate mirrors an earlier version approved by the Senate Finance Committee, it would be the 46-member chamber’s largest-ratified budget in at least the past 12 years, according to a review by The Nerve of ratified state budgets since fiscal year 1998, the most recent data available

House Panel Undercuts Input on Sembler Bill

SCRA Growth Spurt Continues Unabated

S.C. Colleges Continue to Resist Transparency

S.C. DSS Fails Federal Child Welfare Standards

Report: State Pension Plan Among Worst-Funded

DHEC Notifies More than 1,800 in Data Breach

SCRA: Innovation Centers Unfunded Mandate

Amid Recession, State Agencies Adding Staff

Pols in Ads: The People's Work or Self-Promotion?

House Budget Worsens State’s Funding Cliff

Half-Billion Dollar Gap in State Budget

DHEC Notifying Potential Victims in Records Case

Bauer’s Office Awards No-Bid TV/Film Work

Sembler Giveaway: School Money to be Siphoned

McConnell Seeks End Around on Patriots Point

Budget Provisos and Pass-Throughs – A Primer

Sembler Opponents: South Carolina Not for Sale

Commerce Eyes Control of Research Program

The initial version of the 50-page "Economic Development Competitiveness Act" bill, introduced in January by S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, gave the Commerce secretary control over one-third, or $10 million, of the annual $30 million in lottery money earmarked for the S.C. Centers of Economic Excellence, also known as the endowed professor chairs program.

DHEC Mum on Mishandled Records

Legislators Push For Retail Incentives

DHEC Records Found in Recycling Bin

SC Entities Dish Out Dollars in Boeing Tribute

Job Development Credits: Taxpayer-Funded Payouts

The State's Secret $7 Billion Budget

Ryberg Again Tries to Block Sembler Subsidies

Top SCRA Execs See Salaries Spike

Tuition Program Forced to Cut Grants to S.C. Students

Bauer’s Transparency Initiative a Bit Opaque

Report: ESC Failed to Avert Disaster

Agency PR Flaks Promote Their Bosses

Retaining E-Mails Hit-and-Miss Proposition in S.C.

Agency PR Flaks Promote Their Bosses