The South Carolina Legislature convened on Tuesday, January 9 at 12 Noon.  The first day of the session was filled with swearing-ins, seat assignments, glad handling and anticipatory conversations.

The real work of committees and proposed legislation begins in the next few days as the legislators spend most of their time at inaugurals, parties and get togethers.

The big issues for this session are an increase in tobacco taxes, workers compensation reform, government restructuring and education.  The question is no longer will there be an increase in the tobacco tax, but how will the money be spent.  Competing proposals include using the money on income tax reductions, economic development, medicaid funding, the CHIPS Program and a myriad of other proposals.

Stay tuned as things develop!