April 16, 2009

Sheheen Plan Gains Momentum

Republicans join effort to save teacher and law enforcement jobs

Columbia, SC - State Senator Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) announced today his plan to end the stimulus standoff has earned the support of two Republicans in the State Senate. Senators Luke Rankin (R-Myrtle Beach) and Jake Knotts (R-Lexington) have signed onto to the legislation that would require Gov. Mark Sanford to accept stimulus dollars for education and public safety.

"I'm grateful to have the support of my colleagues for this common sense plan to make sure our tax dollars are spent here at home and not in some other state,"said Sheheen.

Sheheen's plan would require Gov. Sanford to apply for the funds allocated to South Carolina by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money is needed to prevent layoffs within the education and law enforcement sectors. Senate Finance Committee officials have estimated between 3,000 to 6,000 teachers could lose their jobs if these funds are not made available to South Carolina.

"Despite Gov. Sanford's television ads and countless national press appearances, South Carolinians know what he is doing is hurting our state. I'm glad to put aside party labels and get to work to get our state moving forward,"said Knotts.

Senator Rankin said action needs to be taken sooner rather than later. "Horry County is already facing cuts to its schools' budgets. We need to step up and do what's right for our folks back home," said Rankin.

Sheheen's legislation is currently being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee. He is optimistic it will be sent to the full Senate for debate soon. He also hopes his proposal will be included in any plan the state Senate passes to end the ongoing stimulus standoff.

S.691

###