The South Carolina Chamber “Top Priorities of the Business Community” passed in the General Assembly. Julie Scott, Public Relations Manager for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce writes that”
“Two of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s top priorities for the legislative session have passed the General Assembly: Employment Security Commission (ESC) reform and Save our Secret Ballot.
“In March, legislation to reform the South Carolina Employment Security Commission was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor. Leadership provided by House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham and Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter and Senators Greg Ryberg and Nikki Setzler was crucial to the bill’s passage.
“The new law creates the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce with a cabinet level, at-will director, centralizing functions held by numerous agencies over the years. It also terminates current ESC commissioners and sets new elections for hearing officers. The legislation restricts payouts for employees fired for gross misconduct, saving millions with the system. Before the legislation’s passage, it was estimated more than $170 million was paid to people who were fired for cause and related to fraud. The law also requires the newly created department to undergo periodic audits and provide regular information on employment trends and the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund balance. Now, the General Assembly must address the solvency of the UI Trust Fund. As of April 1, South Carolina’s loan from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits had reached close to $850 million.
“Another top priority of the business community in 2010 was protecting South Carolina workers from federal legislation that threatens their rights to vote by secret ballots, introduced in Congress in March 2009. The cleverly misnamed Employee Free Choice Act, or “card check,” would not only remove a fundamental right of every American, it also could force businesses into unfair binding arbitration and set a dangerous tone for the nation. In 2009, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a constitutional amendment to combat card check with bipartisan support, and the Senate followed suit in March 2010, sending the constitutional amendment to the ballot for November. Leaders of the legislation included Re. Eric Bedingfield and Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler.
“South Carolina’s low unionization rates have helped attract companies like Boeing to the Low country and Proterra to the Upstate. Twelve other states have made progress towards adopting similar secret ballot legislation. Now, it is up to the voters who can decide November 2 to stop the dangerous “card check” legislation and continue working towards a more competitive and prosperous South Carolina.”
Member Benefits
The Pickens Chamber offers a health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina for Chamber Members only called Business True Blue.
The benefits include:
■ Choices in deductibles, covered services and covered amounts.
■ One of the largest networks of doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals in the state.
■ Coverage and peace of mind wherever your employees go.
■ Special discounts on complementary and alternative medicine, laser vision correction surgery (LASIK), Beltone hearing aids and cosmetic surgery
■ Optional co-payment features for doctor’s office visits.
■ Optional benefits for preventive care.
■ Optional prescription drug card.
■ Optional dental coverage.
■ HSA – Health Savings Account.
■ Flexibility of a buy-up option.
For more information contact the Chamber Office at 864-878-3254.
Chamber Member Celebrates 90 Years of Service
Pickens Savings and Loan celebrates 90 years of service to the citizens of Pickens. A long time member of the Chamber, Pickens Savings and Loan has always worked to help individuals and businesses improve their lives. Through their commitment to the community, Pickens Savings and Loan has made Pickens a better place. Congratulations to Pickens Savings and Loan!
