SENATE JOURNAL 3/26/2014 - South Carolina Legislature Online

South Carolina General Assembly
120th Session, 2013-2014
Journal of the Senate

Wednesday, March 26, 2014
(Statewide Session)

~~Indicates Matter Stricken~~
Indicates New Matter

The Senate assembled at 12:15 P.M., the hour to which it stood adjourned, and was called to order by the ACTING PRESIDENT, Senator LARRY MARTIN. A quorum being present, the proceedings were opened with a devotion by the Chaplain as follows:

Isaiah sets forth an indictment that surely applies to our own day and time: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way." (Isaiah 53:6a)

Let us pray:

Gracious and Ever-loving God, we know in our hearts that You know how desperately the world around us cries out for wise, caring and compassionate leadership. A people who often drift and who sometimes wander require leaders who possess a keen vision for what is best, leaders who are willing to speak out for justice, for what is right, leaders who set the pace by following Your will. Empower each of these Senators, Lord, to stand courageously for those things which ought to matter most to every South Carolinian in this day and time, helping to move our State forward. And to You, O God, be the ultimate glory. Amen.

Committee to Escort

The PRESIDENT appointed Senators LEATHERMAN, SETZLER, ALEXANDER, MALLOY, CROMER, JACKSON and PEELER and Representatives McCoy, Sottile, Gilliard, Cobb-Hunter to escort the Honorable Lieutenant Governor and members of the Senate to the House of Representatives for the Joint Assembly.

RECESS

At 12:25 P.M., on motion of Senator COURSON, the Senate receded from business for the purpose of attending the Joint Assembly.

S. 822 (Word version) -- Senators Jackson, Alexander, Courson and Malloy: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO INVITE THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, THE HONORABLE GLENN F. MCCONNELL, TO ADDRESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION ON THE STATE OF THE AGING POPULATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AT 12:30 P.M. ON MARCH 26, 2014.

Address by the Lieutenant Governor
State of the Aging Population in South Carolina

It's an honor to be here today, and I would like to thank Senators DARRELL JACKSON, THOMAS ALEXANDER, JOHN COURSON and GERALD MALLOY for introducing the Resolution inviting me to speak to you about the face of aging in South Carolina.

Just a little over two years ago, when I assumed the office of Lieutenant Governor, I never imagined there was a greater purpose for what had transpired. But today, I stand before you as chief advocate for seniors and adults with disabilities in South Carolina, eager to share some of what I have learned, saddened to think of what may be in store for our aging population if we fail to address certain challenges, but hopeful that solutions are attainable because of the willingness of many of you, as well as countless other people across this State, who are ready to answer the call and assist where needed.

I want to take a moment to recognize some very special people in the balcony today, who have been by my side since the first day, helping me understand the tremendous challenges we are facing and providing me information and support, as I tackled my learning curve and set out to reverse our course. They represent AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, the Silver Haired Legislature, the Adult Day Care Association, and the South Carolina Respite Coalition. If you are with any of these groups, will you please stand and be recognized?

Thank you so much for being here today.

What I learned most from folks like these is that the time has come for us to address aging and disability issues based on reality rather than political rhetoric; it's time for us to realize that these populations are oftentimes equally as vulnerable as children. If you are like me, it's hard to accept that you begin to age the moment you are born. It's even more difficult to accept that as we all age, statistically, most of us will be faced at some point with sudden illness, chronic illness, loss of mobility, loss of mental acuity, or Alzheimer's. And while we are living longer, the chances of becoming unable to maintain our independence or outliving our resources are also multiplying.

After spending almost 32 years in the Senate and serving on the Judiciary Committee, my knowledge of aging programs or related issues was somewhat limited and mostly confined to line items in the Appropriations Bill. But, the day after taking the office of Lieutenant Governor, this all changed, as I was briefed on all-new territory: the Office on Aging. I'll have to admit that I was stunned at the enormity of what I saw and the challenge before me. I was told of:
* seniors struggling all across South Carolina;
* a waiting list of an estimated 8,000 people who could quickly be identified and were in need of services from the Office on Aging;
* previous budgets that had been slashed; and
* no government leader cheerleading and bringing forward the effort to give them a better opportunity in South Carolina. *

When I found out the following statistics, I learned there was -- what some have coined -- a "grey tsunami" heading our way -- a possible human calamity if proper action was not taken. With over 900,000 seniors currently in South Carolina, we are scheduled, over the next 15 years, to double to almost two million, according to the U.S. Census. The State is without a strategic plan to deal with aging issues. The baby boomers are coming, and the issue of aging is the central public health challenge of our lifetime.

a. One in eleven seniors is at risk of hunger.

b. One-third of seniors live on Social Security alone.

c. Fifty-one percent of those over age 55 have

$0 to $50,000 saved for retirement.

d. Over 80,000 seniors in South Carolina

suffer with Alzheimer's or a related disorder.

e. There are too few senior centers to assist our aging

population.

f. Senior transportation is sadly lacking,

in decline, and nonexistent in some areas.

g. Over 25 percent of those 85 or older require

institutional care.

h. 11.5% of seniors age 60 or above live in poverty.

i. South Carolina has 1.3 million people set to retire

soon.

What became immediately apparent from the reports and statistics I've read is that programs that keep people in their homes as long as possible, such as those offered through the Office on Aging, are keys to avoiding the oncoming collision headed straight at us.

You may ask why programs through the Office on Aging are so important, and this is the reason: we're not Medicaid. In fact, we keep people off of Medicaid. We're about keeping people independent and in their homes, where they wish to live. The Office on Aging provides a bridge for these folks. We give them the opportunity to mature and age in place with grace and dignity. Furthermore, adults with disabilities are able to live with their families in comfortable surroundings instead of institutional settings. Secondly, our program is cost-effective. By complementing -- not duplicating -- existing programs in the community, we are able to efficiently use resources to help maximize available dollars. We are up to 40 times cheaper than if one of these individuals migrates to a Medicaid nursing bed. And, for anyone of you out there who thinks Medicaid is just for the poor, you're mistaken. You or someone you know just might be one major illness away from it. At $80,000 to $110,000 a year for a private-pay skilled nursing facility, it's easy to see how quickly people can go through their assets and the equity in their homes, finding themselves in need of Medicaid. But, if we have the opportunity, through our programs at approximately $1,400 per person per year, to extend a helping hand -- whether it be a meal a day or a visit to a supermarket or doctor -- to keep people out of those expensive Medicaid nursing beds, which cost the taxpayers over $52,000 a year, we can make a big difference. In essence, a program that allows us to be proactive is almost 40 times cheaper than the alternative. One way or another, we are going to pay for it. So why not be smart and do it on the front end by being proactive?

Yet, with all of these challenges before us, the State continues to dump hundreds of millions more into the rigid, unchanging Medicaid system which, each year, needs more and more money. At the same time, the State has cut its contributions for home and community-based programs which slow down the migration by the non-Medicaid seniors to the Medicaid beds. Funding home and community-based programs would have resulted in cost savings while giving seniors what they want -- the ability to stay home and independently age in place.

Our first attempt to secure the funding necessary to serve the estimated 8,000 people on our waiting list was disappointing. So, I realized I needed a new tactic to change the big ark's direction. Albert Einstein made it very clear when he said that if you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result, that's insanity. I also realized that if I was going to be successful in convincing you of the coming challenge, I needed to understand it first-hand, not just read about it in a stack of faceless reports.

So I set out on what we called our "Face of Aging" tour, visiting each of the ten aging services areas across the State. During the tour, we stopped by nursing homes; residential care facilities; senior centers; and OSS facilities, which are essentially group homes that operate on minimal funds provided by South Carolina's Optional State Supplement program. I also went on meal deliveries to persons who are unable to get to meal sites and held public forums for persons to give us suggestions or talk about problems. Along the way, I was fortunate enough to meet many people who were passionate about what we were doing and kind enough to share some of their personal stories with us.

Let me tell you about some of these folks: In a small rural community, an 84-year-old grandfather, with a heart condition, was caring for his 10-year-old grandson, because his own son had died from a heart attack. He was out in the yard trying to push a lawnmower with one hand while holding onto a walker with the other. Our meal program helps keep this family unit together and from requiring more expensive care and foster care. A photographer from the local newspaper who was accompanying us that day was so touched by this man, he promised to have members of his church come and help take care of the yard.

One of the most memorable seniors I encountered was a woman who had lost her legs to diabetes. She said that the meals we delivered enabled her to grow strong enough to pull herself out of bed and into a wheelchair so she could live again.

As I was waiting on the elevator in a senior apartment complex in the Upstate, I spoke to a gentleman in a wheelchair. He asked what we were doing, and I told him I was visiting people who were on our home delivered meal route. He thanked me, and said that because of the van we provide, he can go to dialysis three times a week and still live in his apartment. He gets up at 4:00 a.m. on those days and calls every other senior who rides the van to make sure they don't miss it.

In another area of the State I visited -- and Representative Carl Anderson was with me -- we met a 70-year-old man, who was caring for his wife, who is partially paralyzed from a stroke, and his 94-year-old mother. This husband and son was himself struggling with a heart problem and his doctor recommends that they all need institutional care. Although he owns his home, he cannot afford the cost of nursing home care. More importantly, his family wants to remain together in their home as long as possible, and Office on Aging programs help him do just that -- and also save the taxpayers over $100,000 a year.

Over in the Pee Dee, there is an 85-year-old widow who lives with her 17-year-old cat. She worked as a nurse at the local hospital. As we walked up her driveway, we noticed an Oldsmobile Ciera parked at the end of the driveway, where it had been sitting for 11 years, since she was last able to drive it. All four tires on the car were flat and had rotted. From her demeanor and gentle smile, you could tell she was once prim and proper and actively involved in the community. She now lives in an aging physical environment which shows the reflections of a livelier and more prosperous life, but the grey veil of aging has descended over it. A senior volunteer drops meals by. He opens the mailbox, so when she sees it closed, she knows the mail has come. She can barely walk. The volunteer is her connection to the outside world. A glance inside indicates no other visitors have come, but with all of that, she still wants to stay at home and can do so because of the meals that are delivered to her.

And lastly -- this is the story that speaks volumes about how fragile middle-income South Carolina is becoming -- an 80-year-old Korean war veteran and retired nurse -- she said she thought she had saved enough money to retire and live comfortably for the rest of her life. And then, in 1997, unexpectedly, she suffered a stroke that blinded her and left her very vulnerable without 24-hour care. She went quickly through her money, was exploited by caregivers, and now she depends on our program in order to live independently at home.

For every face I've described to you, there are hundreds or even thousands like them who need services. They may be your neighbors, your fellow church members, your mothers, or your fathers. One day, there is even the possibility that any of us in this room may need a meal a day, a helping hand to a doctor, or help traveling to a life-saving machine to maintain our health and stay in our home. It only takes one accident, a brief serious illness, or frailties from progressive aging to change our lives that will quickly place us into a senior's struggle. Instead of dreaming about owning a home, we are part of the aging population's dream to stay in one's home. It is about existence as an independent and self-sustaining South Carolinian. Each one of these stories illustrates how truly vulnerable we all are as human beings -- and how quickly we can deteriorate and become another Medicaid statistic.

When we returned from the tour, I knew that in order to strengthen the aging network and prepare for an increased demand on the Office on Aging, we needed to do some housecleaning. We reviewed our vision and mission and adopted goals and objectives that would raise the bar in our organization. We revised our policies and procedures, and are working hard to streamline and modernize our processes.

But beefing up an agency is just the beginning.

The reality is that there is never going to be enough public funding for aging programs; in fact, it's drying up. I realized that we are going to have to get creative if we are going to succeed in creating the safety net that seniors need and deserve.

Census figures predict that our aging population will double over the next 15 years, and by the year 2030, approximately 44% of our state's population will be over the age of 50. Staying active, eating well, having regular medical and dental check-ups, and socializing are keys to staying healthy and independent as we age.

One of the most important things we need to recognize is that, in terms of dealing with the unique needs and challenges of seniors and adults with disabilities, one size does not fill all. Policies and services need more flexibility, and in developing new policies and strategies in the future, we need to be proactive, not reactive. We need to spend the next five years getting a plan in place that will provide adequate and affordable health care and long-term care for our state's senior population.

Failure to anticipate what lies ahead will cause both a human tragedy and a budget calamity. Look, for instance, at our Medicaid system, which is unsustainable as currently constructed, and once you qualify, the State must provide care. It defies logic and common sense to do nothing to prevent people from slipping into an expensive Medicaid system, when less expensive preventative health care, nutrition, and other services will keep many people independent and able to support themselves.

In order to develop any plan, we must first evaluate and assess what's out there. My observation is that:

(1) Transportation for seniors is hard to come by or in many places, non-existent.

(2) There are not enough affordable, alternative options for care, such as day care centers, in-home care, or assisted living.

(3) Medicaid beds and reimbursements are problematic, and OSS facilities, for the most part, have been starved into declining condition. If these facilities go out of existence, these clients, many of whom have cognitive deficiencies, have nowhere to go. The public will pay through law enforcement and emergency room visits, and it then becomes everyone's problem.

(4) There are not enough senior centers. Senior centers are the front gates to keeping seniors active and healthy, and they can provide information and access to other services. However, in some places, there is little or no activity in many of these centers. Some were quiet as funeral homes after visiting hours. There is no overall consistency in programs or activities, but let me stop here and tell you about a gentleman I met at an active senior center. The Office on Aging had given this particular center some bingo money to add a kitchen. Just before I left, a man tapped me on the arm and said, "May I speak with you a minute?" I responded, "Certainly." He said, "You've released me from the four walls of horror." I thought, "What?" He then pulled his dark glasses down from his eyes, and I could see he was blind. He told me he wanted to thank me for the new kitchen and the luncheon program. He said that he used to sit in his house day in and day out, listening to the creaking and squeaking of his house. He turned his television up loud to mask the sounds of the house and the loneliness. He said that now, he looks forward to getting on a van that brings him to the senior center, where people talk to him, laugh with him, and he is no longer lonely as he has lunch.

(5) Services are disjointed and not easy to access.

(6) Best practices are not shared. There are people all over the State doing remarkable things, but these ideas are not being duplicated and transported to other places in the State.

(7) There is no one-stop place to go to get information or initiate services.

Furthermore, we need to take a closer look at the importance of caregiving and caregivers. In our State, we have both professional caregivers and family caregivers. Both are equally vital to the caregiving network, but I especially want to highlight family caregivers, who save the taxpayers millions of dollars annually by providing unpaid in-home care for persons with Alzheimer's, other dementia and aging issues, or disabilities. In fact, our State has over 770,000 family caregivers who provide nearly 737 million hours of unpaid care and save our State an estimated $7.4 billion each year. According to a recent AARP study in South Carolina, 55% of South Carolinians are caring for an elderly family member or loved one or have in the past, and 53% say it's very likely they'll become caregivers in the next five years. With our senior population doubling, more and more families scattered across the country, and a shrinking pool of available family caregivers, who is going to provide this care? For an unpaid caregiver, a little break from the 24/7 responsibilities can sometimes mean the difference between life or death for the one who provides the care. Again, it's amazing how a little help or a little relief can give someone the energy and renewed spirit to continue to provide the necessary care to someone living with disabilities or age-related issues. The consequences of failing to fund respite services will only cause our family caregivers to burn out in addition to the waiting lists for other services to grow.

Solutions for seniors come not only with funding cost-saving measures, but also with tackling our state's regulatory environment. Fees and laws are being created in this State and passed on to the public through regulations promulgated by bureaucrats without a single vote of the General Assembly. In fact, some of the regulations I have reviewed recently are attempting to exempt the agency from the law, which is a clear violation of our state's constitution. On the "Face of Aging" tour, I was able to see many types of over and under-regulation first-hand. While regulations can be a good tool to protect the public if properly used, they can also have dangerous effects if their intentions are power-centered rather than people-centered. I want to take a minute to share a few examples of my findings with you:

(1) A facility was licensed without a working kitchen or a refrigerator. Fast food was purchased for residents and stored in coolers.

(2) In the Upstate, at an OSS facility, they had a wooden wheelchair ramp on the side of the building that all of the residents enjoyed using but several of the boards were loose. A church volunteered the carpentry work, and a company donated the lumber. The regulators came in and said that they could not repair the ramp. They could either leave it as it was, tear it down, or they would shut them down, even though there were sufficient exits elsewhere.

(3) A residential care facility was cited for a resident in an apartment having a can of hairspray in a medicine cabinet -- even though the facility is not a skilled nursing home.

(4) A nursing home was required to build sidewalks around all four walls of the facility, even though no one in the facility used certain doors. The owner of the facility told me he could not afford to give employees a raise because he was forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a sidewalk to nowhere -- and then, he had to pay for a dual-lighting system to be installed over the sidewalk.

(5) A swimming pool was attached to skilled care facility. You may think this is a good idea, but the regulators claimed that because the glass was not fire retardant enough, persons from the skilled care unit could not use the pool. Yet, my observation was that the only thing that could burn in the building was the diving board and the beach towels. Ironically, they could put these persons into a van and carry them across town to a wooden building without similar restrictions.

(6) In a locked Alzheimer's unit, the owner was instructed to install signs over the doors with automatic locks that told the Alzheimer's residents how to open the door to the outside courtyard. These automatic locks unlocked in the event of fire or emergency and were up to code just a year earlier. On the courtyard gate, which led out to the street, and which also had an automatic lock, the owner was told that he would have to replace the lock with a breakaway padlock. When the owner asked the inspector how the residents were supposed to break the lock, the inspector responded, "Put a hammer out here for them to use."

(7) And lastly, a owner built a new skilled care nursing home, but wanted to convert the old one into an assisted living facility that was critically needed. He was told that you could not convert the facility to a lesser use without major costly renovations required by new building codes. It just doesn't make sense that we mothball a perfectly good facility that could be easily and cheaply converted to assisted living.

As you can clearly see, common sense is lacking in our regulatory process. We have some regulators who worship at the altar of the rule instead of the result. We need to sunset all of the regulations, make sure business and stakeholders are well represented on the committees deciding the regs. -- not just during the comment period -- and require a vote of our elected representatives on all regulations before they can go into effect.

I encourage you to take the time to evaluate the regulatory process and ensure that regulations protect but do not drive up the costs to the point where people cannot afford the service or business and facility owners are discouraged from creating or expanding vital services for our aging population.

Evaluating and understanding what is out there and what is needed going forward is a daunting task, but along the way, I was introduced to a non-profit entity I believe can be an important asset to this State. It's the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health, and I want to take a moment to introduce the Executive Director, Kester Freeman, and the Director of Operations, Dr. Lee Pearson. This corporation is focused on improving the health status of South Carolinians through work in the areas of policy, prevention, and leadership, and its board of directors includes a distinguished list of college presidents, prominent business leaders, physicians, a former governor, and our own Senator THOMAS ALEXANDER and Representative Joe Neal. They have created a long-term care task force of experts, practitioners, and stakeholders across the State, and their goal is to develop a list of priorities and actionable recommendations to policymakers that promote a greater return on investment and a broad vision for affordable, accessible, and high-quality services enabling older adults and people with disabilities to live with dignity. The chairman of the task force, Mr. Joel Smith, former dean of the USC Moore School of Business and retired president of Bank of America, is here with them, too. Will you all please stand?

I also want to mention that this group has created a fellowship program for members of the General Assembly to learn more about what they do and what challenges lie ahead for South Carolina. This knowledge is our freedom to avoid the stagnation of the past, change the future, and chart a course so we shape the events rather than being shaped by them.

Other valuable resources that can and should be utilized include our state's research institutions and technical college system. They already possess the knowledge and research capabilities that will provide reliable statistics, best practices, and recommendations so that decisions will be fact driven rather than politically driven. Additionally, they can educate and train healthcare providers, service providers, and caregivers, as well as provide workshops and seminars for the public on the importance of planning and how to evaluate options.

Additionally, grass-roots organizations such as AARP, and the Alzheimer's Association, are and will continue to be tremendous resources for evaluating, planning, and educating.

And lastly, I want to mention the Office of Aging staff, including our Long Term Care Ombudsmen. I want to take a minute to recognize these state employees who come to work each day striving to make life better for seniors. Will you please stand?

These people on the front lines recognized that change was needed throughout the aging network and have worked hard to upgrade the system so we have tools to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of home and community-based services and fashion responses to successfully handle the coming grey tsunami. I am glad to say as a result of the changes that were instituted, for the first time, there is reliable, consistent data that clearly demonstrates the value of home and community-based services. We currently serve 5,066 persons who are deficient in three or more Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc., which qualifies them for nursing home care. The cost of a Medicaid nursing home bed is at least $52,000 a year. If these 5,066 clients, who are Medicaid eligible but are currently being served by the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging's programs, did move to a Medicaid bed, the added cost to the state would be over two hundred sixty million dollars. The cost of serving these 5,066 seniors in their homes is seven million, ninety-two thousand dollars, netting a savings to the taxpayers of over a quarter of a billion dollars per year.

Having the ability to evaluate programs and resources is critical in developing a long-term plan for caring for our vulnerable adults.

As I said before, there will never be enough public money to provide a safety net for seniors. But, one of the most important things I've discovered, is that it can be done if we coordinate the available resources throughout the State by building strong public-private partnerships including businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and volunteers.

It all started shortly after I became Lieutenant Governor. One of my staff relayed to me a story she had learned during a meeting at the Office on Aging about a facility where the license had been pulled by DHEC and our Long Term Care Ombudsmen had to immediately relocate the residents. The facility instructed these residents to put all of their meager belongings into giant trash bags that would follow them to their new location. Unfortunately, the residents were loaded on a van and the bags remained at the facility and were subsequently tossed out as trash. Can you imagine what it would be like to have everything you have in the world, remnants of your life, reduced to the size of a trash bag and then carelessly discarded? To add insult to injury, residents like these, moved quickly because of facility shutdown or other emergencies, sometimes must wait for up to two months before their funding makes it to the new facility. When I heard that our office had no means to fund emergency hygiene items and basic essentials and were taking up donations from the staff, I realized we could do better. That's when I reached out to the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, and they responded in a big way. The WIRE Women of the Cooperatives put together emergency relocation bags -- giant rolling duffle bags -- containing shampoo, soap, towels, socks, jackets, blankets, and an empty bag for personal items that we utilize each time we must move a resident to a new facility. How wonderful it is to be able to make that harsh landing to a new facility a little softer. More importantly, these generous women have committed to replenishing this stock of bags yearly. Sadly, we've had to use every bag we've been given because of numerous closures and emergencies. Members representing the WIRE Women of the Electric Cooperatives across this State are here today. Will you please stand and be recognized?

Another example of creative partnership is Leadership South Carolina. Helen Munnerlyn, their Executive Director is here today, and many members of the Class of 2013 are in the balcony with her and in this body as well. Helen, will you -- and any members of the Class of 2013 here with us today -- please stand?

Leadership South Carolina came forward last year to help us with our mission by adopting "senior hunger" as their class project. They raised over $100,000 for senior hunger, including a donation by Honda of two minivans for rural senior centers.

And you recall that wheelchair ramp I mentioned earlier? Well, Verizon stepped in and donated money to help rebuild the ramp at that OSS facility.

Additionally, in Columbia, SCE&G weatherized a home for a gentleman who had been living in his house without electricity since 2009. A stroke had put him behind with his bills, but because of volunteer linemen, gas journeymen, and the generosity of this company, this man will have heat and hot water and a home that will be more energy efficient. More importantly, because of this gracious help from the community, this gentleman may never need a Medicaid bed. Unfortunately, this particular situation also demonstrates the disconnect in our system. Apparently, this man had been receiving meals and no one ever realized that he did not have electricity. This went unnoticed for over four years! A more thorough assessment of this man's needs may have prevented unneeded suffering. We've changed that; we now require a more thorough needs assessment.

There are many more companies and organizations reaching out to us each week, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention Duke Energy and their generous contribution toward senior outreach and education.

In addition to these fine organizations, we also have senior volunteers across the State who are working to help other seniors, whether it's providing transportation to a doctor or delivering a meal or mentoring children. We have an opportunity to foster wonderful volunteer programs to help fill in the gaps where programs and services are not available, and we have a huge army of retiring seniors with a strong desire to serve where they are needed.

Coordinating resources -- volunteer, faith-based, or otherwise -- can go a long way in matching need to resources and saving precious public dollars for other critical needs. If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot.

I've got one more story I want to share with you about how just a little can mean so much. This is one of my favorites. In the Rock Hill area, meals were being delivered to several shut-ins who weren't prospering from the nutrition, and when we checked, we found a common denominator -- these seniors lived alone, had no family close by, and had no transportation to a grocery store. They had one companion, a cat or a dog. We discovered they were starving themselves and feeding the meal to their companion. A group of students from a local high school started collecting pet food, so that when the meals were delivered on this route, pet food was also delivered. This practice is now spreading to other areas.

In addition to coordinating resources, any plan for preparing South Carolina for the grey tsunami must include updating our laws to reflect the changing needs of our seniors. With that being said, I encourage you to utilize the Joint Legislative Committee to Study Services, Programs and Facilities for Aging (I refer to it as the Joint Aging Committee) to help you identify, coordinate, and recommend the needed course of action. Senator THOMAS ALEXANDER chairs this committee, and Senators MALLOY and CROMER serve from the Senate, and Representatives Walt McLeod, Skelton and Moss serve from the House.

Transportation for seniors is the number one issue and challenge we have in our State. The Silver Haired Legislature has recognized this for years, and with the help from attorneys with the South Carolina Association for Justice, we have developed a legislative proposal that:
* encourages volunteerism;
* responsibly limits liability while maintaining responsibility for gross negligence for the actions of senior volunteer drivers who, through non-profit entities, transport other seniors; and
* embraces home and community-based services. *

I encourage you to support this legislation when it is introduced.

Unfortunately, my time as Lieutenant Governor grows short, but I hope my effect on the result will be long. You should continue to give a serious look at what the future impact of our aging population will have on the state's probate courts, particularly as it pertains to taking away property and other rights of seniors. Additionally, you need to explore other options to help defray the costs of senior care, such as long-term care insurance.

Most importantly, with a change in our state's Constitution in 2018, you need to ensure that the Office on Agency maintains a close connection to the public it serves, and I strongly encourage that you consider a restructuring plan that will provide your connection and oversight so that problems can be easily identified and addressed and not manipulated for a political result. At a time when almost half of the state's population will be over the age of 50, it just makes sense to have an agency easily accessible and dedicated to their unique needs.

And lastly, I would like to mention the importance of education and information. A few months ago, a lady called me, desperate for help. The doctor would not admit her husband to the hospital, and they simply put him back into her car to take home. She couldn't lift him or care for him. He needed 24-hour care, but she had no idea who to call or where to go for assistance. Although they had a retirement income sufficient to support them frugally in their own home, there was no extra money for this type of situation. This not only demonstrates how fragile middle class South Carolina has become, it also highlights the critical need for a one-stop place to ensure that seniors, families, and caregivers have access to information about options and services.

So you can see, information is currency to seniors and their families. It takes them to resources and options. Utilizing the website of the Office on Aging to inform, educate, and assist in connecting needs to resources, both governmental and private, will be one of the most important services our State can provide. I encourage each of you to engage your communities -- reach out to people and businesses -- and ask them to call the Office on Aging to list their service, whether paid or donated, on our website.

Additionally, we need to educate adults about what lies ahead so they have the ability to plan for their possible infirmity or inability to make decisions, and we need to teach our children that planning for retirement needs to be included on their to-do list, along with buying their first homes and providing for their children's education.

During my time as Lieutenant Governor, it has also surprised me to learn that many people believe that Medicare pays for long-term care. But it doesn't. Most people don't know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, and many others believe that government will take care of you once you can no longer take care of yourself. Wrong! As I said before, there will never be enough public money to meet the demand of the growing needs. It's about a helping hand -- not a handout. It's about preventing the middle class from depleting their assets and becoming Medicaid dependent. Without support to maintain their independence through home and community-based programs, seniors will quickly go through their assets in private-pay nursing beds at 80,000 to 110,000 a year and get on the Medicaid nursing bed two-year waiting list. This bed will also cost $52,000 a year, whereas, on average, home and community-based programs can, for as little as $1,400 per person, keep them home where they wish to be. It's as much as 40 times cheaper and keeps the beds open for those who have no other option.

The bottom line is this: the "grey tsunami" is coming. We still have time to mitigate its potential devastation by setting aside politics as usual and placing aging as a priority, right up there on this list with educating our children and providing adequate infrastructure for our state's economic development.

Aging is not a political issue; it's a people issue and a humanitarian issue. We need a long-term plan for caring for our growing senior and vulnerable adult population. It's as simple as that. We don't need to leave them behind.

We need regulatory reform to put common sense back in the administration of government. We must strengthen home and community-based programs to prevent seniors from migrating to more expensive care. We need to weave a fabric of non-profits, for profits, faith-based, and government services into a complementary public-private partnership across South Carolina -- from medical clinics to respite for caregivers to home and community-based services to adult day care to assisted living to nursing homes -- in order to provide a safety net for elderly and vulnerable adults.

I do not have the time to thank all of the persons, companies, churches, countless other entities, and caregivers who reach out and help seniors and those who are disabled each and every day. There are too many to mention. But their contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference to someone in need, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge them and express my heartfelt appreciation.

I now want to share with you a brief video we produced in our office for our budget presentation last year which summarizes some of my findings while on the "Face of Aging" tour of South Carolina and illustrates some of the challenges we face together as seniors and as a State. If I haven't gotten into your head with what I've told you, hopefully this video will find its way into your heart.
[Video]

Civilizations have been judged by how well they treat their older members. You have the opportunity to define your public service and have a lasting impact on our State and our State's seniors and disabled citizens. Please help me prepare our State for one of the biggest challenges we are facing in our lifetime.

You know, I was a very sad person, the day I had to leave my Senate seat to become Lieutenant Governor. But by honoring the oath I took and doing the right thing, that decision led me to an experience that has been truly transformational and inspirational to me. I hope my journey has made a difference and will inspire others to continue the mission.

In closing, I want to thank you again for allowing me the honor to speak to you, and I want to leave you with a quote I include in every aging speech I've given over the past two years. It's attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, and he sums up life as this: "You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give."

May God bless our seniors and our vulnerable children and adults, and may God help us South Carolinians recognize the challenges ahead and give life to those so that their golden years are indeed golden.

The purposes of the Joint Assembly having been accomplished, the PRESIDENT declared it adjourned, whereupon the Senate returned to its Chamber and was called to order by the ACTING PRESIDENT.

Recess

On motion of Senator COURSON, the Senate stood in recess until 2:30 P.M.

The PRESIDENT called for Petitions, Memorials, Presentments of Grand Juries and such like papers.

Point of Quorum

At 2:31 P.M., Senator ALEXANDER made the point that a quorum was not present. It was ascertained that a quorum was not present.

Call of the Senate

Senator PEELER moved that a Call of the Senate be made. The following Senators answered the Call:

Alexander                 Allen                     Bennett
Bright                    Bryant                    Campbell
Cleary                    Cromer                    Davis
Fair                      Gregory                   Hayes
Hembree                   Kimpson                   Malloy
Martin, Larry             Martin, Shane             Massey
Peeler                    Scott                     Setzler
Shealy                    Thurmond                  Turner
Verdin                    Young

A quorum being present, the Senate resumed.

Doctor of the Day

Senators O'DELL and NICHOLSON introduced Dr. George Cone of Greenwood, S.C., Doctor of the Day. Dr. Cone specializes in Internal Medicine and is the brother of Tom Cone, Attorney in Legislative Council.

Leave of Absence Rescinded

At 2:30 P.M., the leave of absence granted to Senator CAMPBELL for today and tomorrow was rescinded.

Leave of Absence

On motion of Senator McELVEEN, at 2:30 P.M., Senator JOHNSON was granted a leave of absence for today.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator ALEXANDER rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator DAVIS rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator LOURIE rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

Expression of Personal Interest

Senator SHEHEEN rose for an Expression of Personal Interest.

CO-SPONSORS ADDED

The following co-sponsors were added to the respective Bills:
S. 416 (Word version) Sen. Rankin
S. 1035 (Word version) Sen. Campbell

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

The following were introduced:

S. 1159 (Word version) -- Senator O'Dell: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND MAYOR RUFUS CALLAHAM OF BELTON FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE, TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS MAYOR OF BELTON, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1160 (Word version) -- Senators Grooms, Verdin, Bright and Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 63 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE CHILDREN'S CODE, TO PROVIDE THAT THE STATE, ITS AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY NOT DEPRIVE A PARENT OF HIS RIGHTS TO RAISE AND CARE FOR HIS CHILD WITHOUT THE STATE FIRST DEMONSTRATING A COMPELLING INTEREST FOR TAKING THE PROPOSED ACTION; AND TO PROVIDE THAT A CHILD'S GUARDIAN IS AFFORDED THE SAME PROTECTIONS FROM STATE ACTION.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1161 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT THE JUNCTURE OF INTERSTATE 95 AND SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 61 IN COLLETON COUNTY "SCHP PATROLMAN FIRST CLASS WILLIE E. PEEPLES MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SCHP PATROLMAN FIRST CLASS WILLIE E. PEEPLES MEMORIAL INTERCHANGE".
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1162 (Word version) -- Senator Shealy: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE'S JOB READINESS PROGRAM ON THEIR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE SKILLS TRAINING TO INCARCERATED YOUTHS.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

S. 1163 (Word version) -- Senators Young, Lourie, Shealy and L. Martin: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-940 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE USE OF UNFOUNDED ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASE INFORMATION AND SECTION 63-7-1990, RELATING TO THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND RELEASE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE CENTRAL CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REGISTRY, TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION WHCH MUST OTHERWISE REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL MAY BE RELEASED BY THE DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE TO CONFIRM, CLARIFY, OR CORRECT INFORMATION CONCERNING A CASE THAT HAS BEEN MADE PUBLIC BY SOURCES OTHER THAN THE DEPARTMENT, TO RESPOND TO AN INQUIRY FROM A COMMITTEE OR SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE SENATE OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR A JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OR TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT AND TO LIMIT CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE DISCLOSURE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1164 (Word version) -- Senators Davis, Bright and Bryant: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE, BY ADDING ARTICLE 30, THE "ACA ANTI-COMMANDEERING ACT", TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, TO MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS REGARDING THE PRINCIPLE OF ANTI-COMMANDEERING AND THE RIGHT OF THE STATES TO REFUSE TO USE STATE RESOURCES TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAWS, TO PROVIDE THAT A PUBLIC OFFICIAL, OFFICER, OR EMPLOYEE OF A PUBLIC BODY MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE OR ENFORCE OR AID IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, TO PROVIDE THAT THESE PROHIBITIONS DO NOT APPLY TO THE PROVISION OF MEDICAID AT CURRENT LEVELS OF ELIGIBILITY, AND TO REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID PURSUANT TO THE ACA; TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, TITLE 11, BY ADDING ARTICLE 6, TO ENACT THE TRANSPARENCY IN ACA GRANTS AND PROGRAMS ACT, TO MAKE CERTAIN FINDINGS AND TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURES BY WHICH GRANTS AND GRANT PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED BY THE ACA MAY BE AUTHORIZED IN THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS; TO AMEND TITLE 38, BY ADDING ARTICLE 21 TO CHAPTER 71, TO ENACT THE "NAVIGATOR BACKGROUND CHECK ACT", TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, TO PROVIDE CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION AS A HEALTH CARE INSURANCE NAVIGATOR, TO REQUIRE REGISTRATION OF A PERSON ACTING AS A HEALTH CARE INSURANCE NAVIGATOR, TO PROVIDE RELATED DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION; TO AMEND SECTION 38-3-110 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE CHIEF INSURANCE COMMISSIONER, TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER TO TAKE ALL REASONABLE ACTION TO LIMIT FEDERAL INTRUSION INTO THE REGULATION OF INSURANCE IN THIS STATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNOR TO COMMUNICATE THE CONTENTS OF THIS ACT TO OUR SISTER STATES AND REQUEST AN EXPRESSION OF THEIR SENTIMENTS REGARDING THE ACA.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1165 (Word version) -- Senator Hayes: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 15, TITLE 63 ENACTING THE "UNIFORM DEPLOYED PARENTS CUSTODY AND VISITATION ACT" SO AS TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITY WHEN A PARENT IN THE UNIFORMED SERVICE IS BEING DEPLOYED; TO PROVIDE THAT A COURT MUST HAVE JURISDICTION PURSUANT TO THE UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT TO ISSUE AN ORDER UNDER THIS ARTICLE; TO REQUIRE PROMPT NOTICE OF DEPLOYMENT TO THE OTHER PARENT; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DEPLOYING PARENT MAY BE ASSIGNED FOR THE DURATION OF THE DEPLOYMENT BY A TEMPORARY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY THE PARENTS OR WITH THE DEPLOYING PARENT'S CONSENT, BY A COURT ISSUING A TEMPORARY ORDER GRANTING CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO FURTHER PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS OF AN AGREEMENT OR COURT ORDER; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMINATION OF A TEMPORARY AGREEMENT OR A TEMPORARY ORDER; TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ARTICLE SUPERSEDES THE FEDERAL ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES IN GLOBAL AND NATIONAL COMMERCE ACT, EXCEPT CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THAT ACT; AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF A TEMPORARY COURT ORDER CONCERNING CUSTODIAL RESPONSIBILITY DURING DEPLOYMENT ENTERED BEFORE THIS ARTICLE'S EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1166 (Word version) -- Senators Turner, Allen and Fair: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE INTERCHANGE LOCATED AT EXIT 37 ALONG INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 385 IN GREENVILLE COUNTY "LT. GOVERNOR NICK AND EMILIE THEODORE INTERCHANGE" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS INTERCHANGE THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "LT. GOVERNOR NICK AND EMILIE THEODORE INTERCHANGE".
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The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Transportation.

S. 1167 (Word version) -- Senators Scott, Peeler, Bryant, Shealy, Hutto, Nicholson, Hayes, Verdin, McGill, Williams, Setzler, Cromer, Kimpson, Massey, Turner, O'Dell, Corbin, Alexander, Rankin, Coleman, Bennett, Gregory, Allen, Bright and Pinckney: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 2-20-80 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT WHENEVER AN ELECTION IS TO BE HELD BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN JOINT SESSION, EXCEPT FOR MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, THE VOTE OF A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL COUNT AS ONE VOTE AND THE VOTE OF A MEMBER OF THE SENATE SHALL COUNT AS TWO AND SEVEN-TENTHS VOTES.
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Senator SCOTT spoke on the Bill.

Read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

S. 1168 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE C. A. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2014 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
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The Senate Resolution was adopted.

H. 4975 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DENISE DUKE OF COLUMBIA, A TWENTY-ONE YEAR VETERAN TEACHER, FOR HER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CONGRATULATE HER FOR BEING NAMED THE FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE NASA BEAGLE AWARD.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4976 (Word version) -- Reps. Bernstein, Alexander, Allison, Anderson, Anthony, Atwater, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Barfield, Bedingfield, Bingham, Bowen, Bowers, Branham, Brannon, G. A. Brown, R. L. Brown, Burns, Chumley, Clemmons, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cole, H. A. Crawford, K. R. Crawford, Crosby, Daning, Delleney, Dillard, Douglas, Edge, Erickson, Felder, Finlay, Forrester, Funderburk, Gagnon, Gambrell, George, Gilliard, Goldfinch, Govan, Hamilton, Hardee, Hardwick, Harrell, Hart, Hayes, Henderson, Herbkersman, Hiott, Hixon, Hodges, Horne, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, Jefferson, Kennedy, King, Knight, Limehouse, Loftis, Long, Lowe, Lucas, Mack, McCoy, McEachern, M. S. McLeod, W. J. McLeod, Merrill, Mitchell, D. C. Moss, V. S. Moss, Munnerlyn, Murphy, Nanney, Neal, Newton, Norman, Norrell, R. L. Ott, Owens, Parks, Patrick, Pitts, Pope, Putnam, Quinn, Ridgeway, Riley, Rivers, Robinson-Simpson, Rutherford, Ryhal, Sabb, Sandifer, Sellers, Simrill, Skelton, G. M. Smith, G. R. Smith, J. E. Smith, J. R. Smith, Sottile, Southard, Spires, Stavrinakis, Stringer, Tallon, Taylor, Thayer, Toole, Vick, Weeks, Wells, Whipper, White, Whitmire, Williams, Willis and Wood: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY, WHICH TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 6, 1944, AND MARKED THE TURNING POINT OF WORLD WAR II; TO COMMEMORATE YOM HASHOAH, THE OFFICIAL HOLOCAUST "DAY OF REMEMBRANCE"; AND TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR WORLD WAR II U.S. ARMY HERO MAJOR T. MOFFATT BURRISS OF COLUMBIA.

The Concurrent Resolution was adopted, ordered returned to the House.

H. 4986 (Word version) -- Rep. Dillard: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM THE DEDICATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S CHILDREN AND TO DECLARE THE WEEK OF APRIL 6 THROUGH 12, 2014, AS "WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

The Concurrent Resolution was introduced and referred to the Committee on Invitations.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Appointments Reported

Senator LARRY MARTIN from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a favorable report on:
Reappointment, South Carolina Foster Care Review Board, with the term to commence June 30, 2012, and to expire June 30, 2016
5th Congressional District:
Martha W. Brock, 154 Hidden Acres, Gaffney, SC 29341

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2012, and to expire June 30, 2015
7th Congressional District:
Harold Jean Brown, Post Office Box 2376, Georgetown, SC 29442 VICE Vacant Due to Redistricting

Received as information.

Initial Appointment, South Carolina State Human Affairs Commission, with the term to commence June 30, 2012, and to expire June 30, 2015
3rd Congressional District:

Ashley P. Case, 1192 Garrett-Patton Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644 VICE Jose F. Garcia

Received as information.

Invitations Accepted

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - 8:00 - 10:00 am
Members of the Senate, Breakfast, Room 112, Blatt Building, by DELTA SIGMA THETA

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, by the PALMETTO CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Reception, Carolina Baseball Stadium, by the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Thursday, April 3, 2014 - 8:00 -10:00 pm
Members of the Senate, Breakfast, Room 112, Blatt Building, by the COALITION FOR ACCESS TO CARE

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, by the SC REALTORS ASSOCIATION

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Members of the Senate, Reception, The Clarion, by the SC ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL POWER SYSTEMS

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Members of the Senate, Reception, Capital City Club, by CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 8:00 - 10:00 am
Members of the Senate, Breakfast, Room 112, Blatt Building, by the SC ASSOCIATION OF HOUSING AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 11:30 - 2:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, by the JASPER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "JASPER COUNTY DAY"

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Reception, The Palmetto Club, by the SC HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Reception, First Citizens Caf�, by the SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE

Thursday, April 10, 2014 - 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Breakfast, Room 112, Blatt Building, by the SC ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 - 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, by STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES, "STATE FARM DAY"

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Breakfast, Room 112, Blatt Building, by PIEDMONT NATURAL GAS
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 - 11:30 - 2:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Luncheon, State House Grounds, by the PALMETTO AGRICULTURE & FOOD INDUSTRY COUNCIL & SC DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, "A SOUTH CAROLINA TASTE"

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 -5:00 -9:00 pm
Members of the Senate and Staff, Reception, The Clarion, by the MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, "MYRTLE BEACH NIGHT"

Senator MASSEY from the Committee on Judiciary submitted a majority favorable with amendment and Senator HUTTO a minority unfavorable report on:

S. 256 (Word version) -- Senators Alexander, S. Martin, Bryant, Bennett and Corbin: A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA REGULATORY REFORM ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-23-122 SO AS TO CLARIFY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR A COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY NOT AMEND OR OTHERWISE CHANGE A REGULATION UNDER GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEW; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSED REGULATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT AN AMENDMENT RECEIVE AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO TAKE EFFECT AND DELETE THE PROVISION THAT ALLOWED A REGULATION TO TAKE EFFECT AFTER ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS; TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-125, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO CERTAIN EVENTS THAT TOLL THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAY PERIOD, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 1-23-115, RELATING TO CERTAIN EVENTS THAT TOLL THE ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAY PERIOD, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.