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ISSUE NUMBER 165 MARCH 2017
THE TOWN CRIER

The Sandifer Update: House Debate Heats Up
By Bill Sandifer

There is so very much happening in our state government right now – even in the midst of
winter (well, at least winter by South Carolina standards), we are hard at work on some
critical issues. As you might guess, the number one topic continues to be roads.

Even as Governor McMaster labeled a gas tax increase a “last resort,” a bill to do just that
has made its way to the House floor. The proposal would increase gas tax 10-cents over
five years, with the money being used to improve our roads. The Governor, on the other
hand, also recently wrote the President, requesting $5 billion for state infrastructure needs,
and another $180 million to fulfill the federal share for deepening the Port of Charleston to 52 feet.

SCDOT has estimated that it will require $28 billion over the next 25 years to effectively maintain our roads. The is-
sue, then, is less about the fact that our roads must be fixed – everyone agrees on that point. It is more a matter of find-
ing a consistent and sustainable mechanism to provide the money necessary to accomplish that goal. And that, truly, is
where the debate continues.

Roaring like a tiger
I still can hardly believe our Clemson Tigers pulled off that victory! You’ll want to note that, in celebration of our
team, we are one step closer to making available a special license plate commemorating the championship season. If
approved, the DMV would produce and sell the plates, with some profits going to Clemson’s scholarship fund. Of
course, the #1 plate is reserved for Head Coach Dabo Swinney.

On the road again
Speaking of repairing our roads, did you know you can now track ongoing projects via the SCDOT Project Viewer?
It’s an easy way to see active projects in your area, as well as throughout the state. Check it out on their site
(www.SCDOT.com).

Reforming the system
One of the important ongoing issues we face is reforming our business license system. Because our state allows local
communities (counties and cities) to levy business licensing fees, it has created a scenario that can often be overly-
burdensome to our business community. As a matter of fact, we recently heard the testimony of one business owner
who literally has 35 different licenses to track – each with a different expiration date. That is incredibly unproductive
and frustrating. That’s why I have introduced an important bill in the House this year that would allow for a central
online registry for business licenses. It will soon be in the House for a vote and I will be keeping you updated.

We are also discussing expansion of the concealed weapons permit laws, helping veterans pay for college, the creation
of clean energy “solar farms,” allowing pharmacists to substitute biosimilars as a less costly alternative to biologic
medications (as they can with generics) and much more. You’ll definitely hear more about these issues in the months
ahead.

Please follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and read this monthly column to keep track of what is going on
in YOUR state government in 2017. Also, please take time to make your voice heard.
It’s a great honor and privilege to serve you in Columbia. As always, my door is open if you ever need my help. I
would love to hear from you!

Bill Sandifer represents Oconee County’s District 2 in the South Carolina House. Sandifer can be reached at (864)
885-2240 or bill@sandifer.us. You also can connect with him on Facebook.

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