Budget Update

Current as of June 3, 2011

Dear Friends,

Just a couple of minutes after you were sent the legislative update reporting Thursday's end to the regular session of the General Assembly, Governor Nikki Haley surprised virtually everyone in Columbia by calling legislators back into session next Tuesday. The governor’s Executive Order can be found here.

Several media outlets are reporting that some legislative leaders believe the basis for the governor’s call is unconstitutional, and a court test may be forthcoming. Meanwhile, unlike the June 14 session described earlier, it appears that the session that Governor Haley has called will have no restrictions on what can be considered. The Executive Order (as well as several statements by leaders in both chambers today) indicate that creating a Department of Administration to replace the Budget and Control Board is the primary objective. When the Senate was gaveled to a close, approximately 70 amendments to a pending measure on that topic were awaiting consideration.

It likely will be a day or so before the impact (if any) of this action on Winthrop will be clear, but I did want you to be aware of what occurred and know that we are continuing to stay close to the situation in Columbia.

Regards,

Tony DiGiorgio
President