Posted on Wed, Feb. 27, 2008
Viers chosen for panel to work on immigration laws
House backs cut in taxes for couples
By Zane Wilson

State Rep. Thad Viers, who wrote more than a dozen immigration bills in the past two years, was appointed Tuesday to the conference committee that will work out differences in House and Senate versions of immigration reform.

Also on Tuesday, a House subcommittee approved an income tax cut for married couples and a boost to road maintenance funds. In the Senate, a key committee deferred action on bills that would allow nonprofit groups to have gambling nights and sell raffle tickets.

It's the first time Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, has been named to a conference committee in his three terms in the House.

He was named to the House team along with Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Columbia, and Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester. Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, appoints conference committees.

"Thad has been a leader in the immigration debate," Harrell said in a news release. "I am confident he will fight to keep real reforms in the bill and help us pass the measures our citizens have been calling for into law."

The panel's job is to defend the House version in negotiations with three senators.

The Senate on Thursday said its version is stronger because the House refused to hold private employers accountable.

Senate conference committee members are Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg, Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, and Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden.

In other business, married couples would get an income tax cut under a plan approved by a House subcommittee. The plan reduces the current 3 percent individual rate to 2 percent by 2010 for married couples filing jointly.

The measure will cost $4.5 million this year and $6.4 million by 2010.

The same panel also approved gradually diverting car sales tax revenue to a road and bridge maintenance fund. The taxes currently go into the general fund for any use.

The proposal begins with $10 million for this year and increases until the full amount is reached in 2011. The tax currently brings in about $100 million, including about $6 million that goes to public schools and it will be replaced from another fund so the schools don't lose anything, said subcommittee Chairman Lanny Littlejohn, R-Pacolet.

The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed a vote on bills allowing nonprofit groups to have raffles or casino nights, saying the bills need more work.

"Under the existing law of South Carolina, it is illegal to play Monopoly and bridge in your kitchen; it's ridiculous," said Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston.

The committee will consider the measures again next week.

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