News
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March 23, 2012
SC bill would require drug tests for welfare
If South Carolina were to foot the bill, the drug tests alone could cost $2.5 million, plus there would be administrative costs, said Linda Martin, the state Department of Social Services' welfare director. "This fundamentally offends my basic sensibilities as an American," said Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia. "If we implement this bill, it would cost citizens more than it would ever save them." -
March 23, 2012
House vote would stop dredging suit
Boosters of deepening Savannah’s harbor got support from an unusual source Thursday: South Carolina legislators. The state House of Representatives voted 85-22 for a bill that’s expected to stop a lawsuit challenging the Georgia dredging, despite the project’s potential environmental impacts on South Carolina. -
March 21, 2012
SC panel approves tax break for rebuilding sites
A South Carolina House panel is backing tax breaks to spur renovations of blighted areas. A Ways and Means subcommittee approved a measure Wednesday that gives a 25 percent state income tax credit to businesses that invest at least $500,000 in a building vacated for at least five years. Democratic Rep. James Smith of Columbia says the measure has broad bipartisan support because it will bring jobs and economic development to all areas of the state. -
March 21, 2012
SC House panel approves tax credits for turning abandoned building sites into commercial space
A South Carolina House panel approved a measure Wednesday giving tax breaks for renovations of blighted buildings, a move lawmakers from both parties said they hope could breathe life into tiny, worn main streets and decrepit strip malls. Democratic Rep. James Smith of Columbia says the measure has broad bipartisan support because it will bring jobs and economic development to all areas of the state. -
March 21, 2012
S.C. panel approves tax break for rebuilding abandoned sites
The measure approved by a Ways and Means subcommittee gives a 25 percent state income tax credit to businesses that invest at least $500,000 in a building vacated for at least five years. "We think this will be a great catalyst for economic development in towns large and small, urban and rural," said Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia. -
March 20, 2012
SC Government Accountability
SC Reps. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, Boyd Brown, D-Winnsboro, and James Smith, D-Columbia, talk about a report that says South Carolina is at high risk for corruption. The report by two groups, the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity, non-partisan good-government groups based in Washington, was released Monday. It ranks South Carolina 45th, with Georgia ranked 50th, or last. North Carolina is tied for 19th-best. -
March 20, 2012
Democrats Unveil Statehouse Ethics Reforms
The Statehouse is still putting the pieces back together after the resignation of Lt. Gov. Ken Ard over campaign finance abuses, forcing musical chairs in the Senate that has left a Lowcountry seat open until a special election this summer. And a report from the Center of Public Integrity highlighted shortcomings in the state's oversight process that enables abuses. -
February 23, 2012
Proposal encourages preservation of historic buildings
They dot the landscape in many towns across the state: old abandoned buildings that have been empty for years. On Wednesday, state lawmakers introduced legislation to make the old properties more attractive to developers. -
February 22, 2012
SC State House Representatives James Smith and Rick Quinn Introduced Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act
Today, South Carolina State House Representatives James Smith (D-Richland) and Rick Quinn (R-Lexington) introduced the SC Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act in response to the hundreds of abandoned buildings that are blighting many towns in urban and rural communities in South Carolina. -
February 22, 2012
Proposed bill hopes to revitalize abandoned buildings
The Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act is gaining support from many organizations. If passed, it will give developers an incentive to invest in those buildings that have been vacant for at least five years. It was created by Rep. James Smith (D-Richland) and Rep. Rick Quinn (R-Lexington) includes a 25% state income tax credit to those sites. The credit requires a $500,000 investment. -
February 22, 2012
SC bill would encourage reuse of vacant buildings
South Carolina legislators hope tax breaks can turn abandoned buildings into bustling commercial space. -
February 19, 2012
Lawmakers want to promote renovation of vacant or abandoned buildings
Two state lawmakers are proposing legislation to provide incentives for major renovations on long-standing vacant and abandoned buildings. -
February 13, 2012
Proposed Bill Would Protect Service Members' Education
A new bill could protect the education of men and women who fight for our state and country. Richland County Representative James Smith says service members contacted him after fearing they would lose scholarships, or be forced to drop courses as a result of honoring military duties. -
January 25, 2012
Petraeus in SC: 'More unites us as Americans than divides us'
Retired general visits award event in Columbia -
January 25, 2012
Laffey homecoming brings young admirers, old memories together
Moving slowly along the Cooper River, a 68 year-old Sumner-class destroyer made its way from Detyens Shipyards in North Charleston to its final resting place at Patriot's Point. -
January 24, 2012
CIA chief David Petraeus urges teamwork, leadership
The director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency says despite partisanship and political gridlock in Washington, there is more that unites the nation than divides it. -
January 24, 2012
Petraeus says US is united against terrorism
CIA director David Petraeus says while American civic life can be contentious, there is more that unites the nation than divides it and that no one should doubt the country's resolve to fight terrorism. -
December 1, 2009
S.C. soldiers say mentoring key
By Chuck Crumbo The State Tuesday, December 1,2009 -
November 30, 2009
Helping Others Serves U.S. Interests
As a captain with the South Carolina Army National Guard, deployed to Afghanistan, I witnessed the great strength of America from remote and impoverished areas. I was deployed to serve as a mentor for the Afghan National Police (ANP). My team’s mission was to establish security through embedded operations with the ANP and to build stronger relationships with area villagers. Despite significant religious, language and cultural differences, the ANP and I found a common bond. Indeed, my dear ... -
November 2, 2009
Veterans Tour South Carolina Calling for Action on Climate Change
Press Release October 22, 2009 -
September 29, 2009
Congaree Riverkeeper making progress
Board announced and fundraising planned -
September 28, 2009
Some lawmakers pull double duty as soldiers
The Washington Post By MARK NIESSE The Associated Press Saturday, September 26, 2009 -
September 23, 2009
Press Release
Conservation Voters of South Carolina Press Release -
September 15, 2009
Representative James E. Smith among honorees at Conservation Voters of South Carolina Green Tie Luncheon
Conversing together: CVSC's Green Tie Luncheon honoreees -
March 11, 2009
Watch Rep. James Smith's WIS-TV interview
Rep. James Smith gives WIS-TV his thoughts about the spending plan debate in the House of Representatives.
