(South Carolina) Senate GOP pushes for changes in rules

[Khephra]

Senate GOP pushes for changes in rules

Democrats say plan to blunt filibusters is meant only to serve Sanford’s agenda

By AARON GOULD SHEININ

Staff Writer


State Senate Republicans are coalescing behind a plan to make it easier to end legislative debate, a change Democrats say will erase hundreds of years of tradition.

Republicans say the change, to be proposed Jan. 11, is needed to end gridlock in the Senate. Democrats say it is merely a way to grease the skids for Gov. Mark Sanford’s agenda, including income tax cuts and school tax credits.

Republicans and Democrats say the change will be dealt with during the session’s first week, when only 24 votes are needed to alter the rules of the 46-member Senate.

snip............

The proposed change has two parts:

• If all 46 members are present, 26 senators could force a senator to stop talking after four hours.

• If fewer than 46 members are present, three-fifths of those there could vote to end a filibuster.


http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/politics/10427809.htm

[CheshireCat]

1. We need to take action on this issue

I will try to find out if any action is planned to counter this move. Will let everyone know.