Thumbs up
FMyrtle Beach, Beaufort. These areas are growing like gangbusters, according to new reports. More. And more.
Road funding. Hats off to the S.C. House for passing a plan that may steer a way for money — still not enough — to get real work done on state roads. This alternative would generate about a half billion a year, but the state Senate alternative would provide $800 million. More.
No drilling. More communities are saying no to offshore drilling and seismic testing, with Sullivan’s Island and Charleston joining a long list today. State lawmakers should listen closely.
Union vote. Much as GOP-union-hating leaders don’t like it, it’s appropriate for workers at the Boeing plant in Charleston to be able to vote on whether they want a union to represent them. The showdown is April 22. Look for some vigorous politicking away from the Statehouse but on the airwaves and behind the scenes. More.
In the middle
DSS. The state Department of Social Service, still in the crosshairs of state legislators, says it needs more full-time employees, but didn’t request as many as it did recently. The Senate has released a report chock full of recommendations on ways the embattled agency can improve. More.
Higher ed. It’s hard to hear the state will have a shortfall of tens of thousands of college-educated workers over the next 15 years. It’s good that a report by two governors, a former speaker and others are shining the light on it now. Memo to legislature: Do something about it.
Thumbs down
Haley. Hats off to the Associated Press for reporting on how Gov. Nikki Haley backed $1 billion in borrowing but had the audacity to blast House members for suggesting borrowing at low rates to pay for big projects. Hypocrisy? You be the judge.
Showering. House members need to calm down over Gov. Nikki Haley’s joking comment that she sometimes feels like she needs to “take a good shower” after meeting with them. Talk to most people — they feel the same way.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!