Good Morning, South Carolina - December 12, 2024
A daily political recap
Welcome to The Arena's daily political recap! Delivered straight to your inbox Monday through Friday, this series aims to keep you informed about the latest developments in South Carolina politics, all through a progressive lens.
As the state’s only progressive media outlet, we are dedicated to spotlighting stories you may have missed in the daily shuffle. Here’s what you need to know from the last 24(ish) hours:
Nancy Mace's Assault Claim
U.S. Capitol Police arrested James McIntrye of Illinois after Rep. Nancy Mace accused him of assault during a foster care event. However, witnesses dispute Mace's account, describing the interaction as a handshake where McIntrye reportedly told her, "Trans youth are also foster youth and they need your support."
The incident follows Mace's recent inflammatory statements about transgender individuals, including filing a bill to ban transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities on federal property. Witnesses, including foster care advocates, characterized the encounter as a passionate but non-aggressive handshake.
Read more in the Post and Courier.
SC Lawmakers Revive Private School Voucher Program
State Senators have introduced a new version of the school choice scholarship program, previously struck down by the state Supreme Court. The key differences include:
Funding entirely from lottery revenues
Expanded eligibility (up to 600% of poverty level)
Scholarship amount increased to over $8,000
Rolling application process
Expanded use of funds to include uniforms
Lawmakers are anticipating potential legal challenges but remain committed to restoring the program for families who lost funding.
Senator Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Private School Funding
State Senator Matt Leber has prefiled a joint resolution to amend the South Carolina Constitution, specifically targeting Section 4, Article XI. The proposed amendment would remove the current prohibition on using public funds for the direct benefit of religious or other private educational institutions.
If passed, the amendment would be submitted to voters in the next general election, with voters asked to decide whether to repeal the existing constitutional restriction on public funding for private schools.
British Courts Challenge South Carolina Judicial Authority
In an unprecedented move, the British High Court issued a Penal Notice targeting the South Carolina Receiver and legal team involved in litigation against Cape, a former asbestos mining company. The notice threatens criminal prosecution and imprisonment, raising serious concerns about cross-border judicial interference.
The South Carolina judiciary has firmly rejected this intervention, asserting its jurisdiction and commitment to holding Cape accountable for asbestos liabilities. Former Judge William Wilkins has also clarified that his previous opinion was misrepresented by Cape.
Governor McMaster Leads GOP Governors' Support for Trump's Immigration Plan
Governor Henry McMaster, in his role as policy chairman of the Republican Governors Association, led 26 GOP governors in supporting Donald Trump's deportation promises. The governors pledged to assist in removing noncitizens with criminal connections, offering state law enforcement and National Guard support.
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about immigration enforcement, with the governors emphasizing public safety concerns.
Read more in the SC Daily Gazette.
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