www.greenvilledemocrats.com “Like” us on Facebook “Greenville County Democratic Party” March 2016 PARTY LEADERSHIP Democratic Dismay Over Roads Bills Eric K. Graben Greenville County Chair The national Republican Party is in total disarray, approaching meltdown Shirley Scott while closer to home it’s become 1st Vice Chair obvious to working families of South Susan Cyr Carolina that the Republicans running 2nd Vice Chair our state legislature are also a dys- functional, divided entity. The antitax Whitney Wright crowd led by Governor Nikki Haley 3rd Vice Chair have refused direct calls for a gas tax increase from a majority of state Peggy Baxter Roxanne Cordonier Secretary Republicans, http://www.greenville online.com/story/opinion/editorials/20 gas tax as a means of paying for road Anita LeBold 15/12/16/yeargastaxincrease/ 7730 improvements. When a billion dollar Treasurer 3230/ the South Carolina Chamber of budget surplus was uncovered, antitax Commerce and business leaders Republicans were given a means of Joe Waters across the state. funding some improvements without State Executive a gas tax hike. The business Committee Delegate http://www.postandcourier.com/article /20160106/PC1603/160109594/1006/ community has long called for a gas Ingrid Erwin To add to the drama, Governor Haley tax hike to serve as a recurring and State Executive has insisted that she will veto any bill steady stream of money. SC Senator Committee Delegate that doesn’t restructure the Depart- Tom Davis led his second filibuster ment of Transportation and include a early in the current session to block James Massey the proposed gas tax increase. Davis’ State Executive tax decrease to set off any increase Committee Alternate in the gas tax. efforts have been supported by Americans for Prosperity. At the beginning of the session there Roxanne Cordonier was some hope that the Senate would This national organization (primarily State Executive Committee Alternate follow the House’s lead and approve a bill that included an increase in the Continued on Page 2, See Dismay Growing up in a large Catholic family of southern heritage, with a dad who was an Army officer, I learned Why I am a Democrat by Kate Howard about being a contributing member of communities large and small and that, as a whole, individuals from all backgrounds share more commonalities with each other than differences. I also came to understand that I have felt aligned with the principles and platform of the Democratic Party I am not truly free until and unless everyone - of every gender, skin color, age, heritage and nationality, since I was a very young girl watching the national conventions of both parties religious affiliation (including having none), sexual orientation and identity, socioeconomic status and in the 1960s. I felt strongly, even then somehow, that the election process is an profession, and even political persuasion - has the same opportunities, privileges, and protections as I enjoy often messy, but absolutely essential step for Americans in sorting out the vision and seek. The Democratic Party strives to make that freedom possible. and goals of our country and addressing the national and global issues that face us. It is how we define who we want to be and where we want to go as our I am proud to stand with my fellow Democrats as we work to create a government – the tool through which nation, and time, progresses. people create civilization – that is fair, just, and compassionate for all. Continued on Page 2 Dismay, Continued from Page 1 reported support of the gas hike. move a “Bandaid” as the DOT has To their credit the Democrats led by said that $400 million would only funded by the Koch brothers) is Senator Brad Hutto, and Rep. Todd maintain the current roads system. apparently dedicated to sticking Rutherford did their best to amend The DOT has also said that it needs their nose in the affairs of states like and improve the legislation but their $1.43 billion just to get the state South Carolina who are trying to efforts were tabled without debate roads system up to a “good” rating. fund infrastructure improvements by the Republicans. Democrats call Lucas a Republican said the Senate through user taxes. I recently the current bill which funds $400 amendment “simply kicks the can received several robo calls from million in nonrecurring funds to further down the road and frankly, Americans for Prosperity asking me road improvements a “Patch Act.” into a pothole.” to call Mike Fair to protest his House Speaker Jay Lucas called the Upcoming Meetings Steve Benjamin & Events TD Convention Center 1 Exposition Dr Greenville, SC 29607 March 16 - April 13, 2019 (Wednesdays) See other information on page 4 High Noon Lecture Series Upcountry History Museum-Furman March 30, 2016 540 Buncombe Street Candidate Filing Deadline Greenville, SC 29601 Details on page 6 April 11, 2016 (Monday) 12:15pm Democratic Women Lunch Meeting March 19, 2016 (Saturday) 8:30am Southern Fried Green Tomatoes GCDP Monthly Breakfast Meeting 1175 Woods Crossing Road Long Branch Baptist Church Greenville, SC 29615 28 Bolt Street Details on page 3 Greenville, SC 29605 Details on page 3 3rd Wednesdays each month 5:30pm Management Team meetings March 28, 2016 (Monday) 6:00pm GCDP Headquarters Greenville County Democratic Party Convention 1300-J Washington Street Keynote speaker: Mayor of Columbia, SC Greenville, SC 29607 Why I am a Democrat, Continued from Page 1 Growing up in a large Catholic family of southern heritage, with a dad who was an Army officer, I learned about being a contributing member of communities large and small and that, as a whole, individuals from all backgrounds share more commonalities with each other than differences. I also came to understand that I am not truly free until and unless everyone - of every gender, skin color, age, heritage and nationality, religious affiliation (including having none), sexual orientation and identity, socioeconomic status and profession, and even political persuasion - has the same opportunities, privileges, and protections as I enjoy and seek. The Democratic Party strives to make that freedom possible. I am proud to stand with my fellow Democrats as we work to create a government – the tool through which people create civilization – that is fair, just, and compassionate for all. 2 Legislative Overview at the February Greenville County Democratic Party Meeting increase in the sales tax on cars from $300 to $600, increased fees South Carolina Senator Karl Allen for drivers licenses and hybrid was the guest speaker at the Febru- vehicles, and a 4 cents per gallon ary 20th breakfast meeting. Senator increase in the gas tax for three Allen noted that the condition of years. our roads and bridges is on the minds of all of his constituents, but Senator Allen noted that, while the House proposal would raise Ingrid Erwin not on Governor Haley's mind. State Executive Committee Delegate Governor Haley is more interested $300‐400 million, more money is in calling out people who oppose needed. agree to hire at least one her on her resistance to increasing Senator Allen said that, with the ex‐offender taxes to improve roads and bridges. new focus on the interchange of in order to truly afford a second Nevertheless, the Senate began I‐85 and I‐385, Greenville is getting chance. debating roads and bridges issues its fair share of state money for The Senate continues to work on last week but there has been no roads. gun legislation that would require progress. Republicans want to In the criminal justice arena, Sena- more thorough background checks reduce taxes and give the governor tor Allen said that Governor Haley for potential gun purchasers. the power to appoint highway has signed some legislation that Throughout his talk, Senator Allen commissioners. would allow for limited expunge- emphasized cooperation and colle- An alternative proposal (that I ments of criminal records ("second giality. He observed, for example, believe Senator Allen favors) would chance" laws). Senator Allen that "if it is a good bill, it doesn't raise $530 million annually. This would like to encourage local matter who sponsored the legisla- money would come from an Chambers to have their members tion as long as it gets passed." Greenville County DP Democratic Women March Breakfast Meeting April Lunch Meeting The Greenville County Democratic Party Breakfast The April meeting of Democratic Women will be Meeting will be held Saturday, March 19th at 8:30am Monday, April 11, 2016 at 12:15 PM at Southern at Long Branch Baptist Church 28 Bolt Street, Green- Fried Green Tomatoes. ville, SC 29605. The guest speaker will be Furman Political Science SC Representatives Chandra Dillard and Leola Professor James L. Guth. Professor Guth will give us Robinson-Simpson will present a legislative update. a bipartisan analysis of the leading candidates in each The upcoming Greenville County Democratic Party party and what they need to do to win their party's Convention on Monday, March 28th at the TD Con- nomination. He might even make a prediction for vention Center will also be discussed. November. Don't miss what Professor Guth has to The breakfast is free, donations are appreciated. say. For more information please call 232-5531 or A buffet lunch is available at a charge of $15.00. [email protected] Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 232-5531 or [email protected] 3 Election of County Party Officers at the County Convention Delegates to the county convention will elect new county pher Shipman party officers at the convention on Monday, March 28. • Female State Executive Committee Alternate: Our incumbent County Chair, Eric Graben, our incumbent Roxanne Cordonier (incumbent) 1st Vice Chair, Shirley Scott, and our incumbent 2nd Vice • Male State Executive Committee Alternate: none Chair, Susan Cyr, have all indicated that they do not plan declared to seek re-election at the convention.