Press Release: Shane Massey Pre-files Spending Transparency Bill

Filed Under News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Shane Massey Pre-files Spending Transparency Bill
Massey’s First Bill Will “Shake Things Up”

(Edgefield, SC) Newly elected State Senator Shane Massey today announced that he is pre-filing legislation to stop secret pork barrel spending in South Carolina’s state budget. Massey will be the primary sponsor of the bill in the State Senate and it will be his first piece of sponsored legislation since his election.

The State recently opined “HERE’S OUR NOMINATION for the first order of business in the House when the Legislature reconvenes in January: earmark disclosure (12/9/07).” Shane Massey agrees and believes it should also be the first order of business for the State Senate.

Currently legislators can insert pork barrel spending projects into the state budget with anonymity. These hidden spending projects explode our budget and put an undue tax burden on South Carolina’s working families. Massey’s legislation will require legislators to put their names on the earmarks they request. Those requests will be made public so that taxpayers know exactly who is responsible for them.

“Senator Jim DeMint has made our state proud by leading the fight for earmark transparency in Washington. Now it’s time to take that same fight to state government,” Massey said.

“Spending is out of control in South Carolina, and a large amount of it is happening in secret. Taxpayers have the right to know how we are spending their money. When I campaigned for State Senate I promised to work as hard as possible to shake things up in Columbia. I’m proud to do that with my first bill, and I hope my fellow Senators will join me in demanding fiscal responsibility and protecting South Carolina’s taxpayers.”

Similar legislation is being filed in the State House of Representatives.

Posted December 12, 2007 by

Augusta Chronicle: Lawmaker is eager to start work

Filed Under News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Shane Massey held the cellular phone high in his right hand.

At that moment, he said, the device was no longer merely his personal line. It was now a direct pipeline to his constituents.

“It is now the District 25 constituent hot line,” Mr. Massey, the newly elected 32-year-old state senator from Edgefield, told a gathering of about 200 people Thursday afternoon at his swearing-in ceremony in the auditorium of his alma mater, Strom Thurmond High School. “I’m here to help you. If you have a problem with the state or anything else that you think I can help with, call me.”

Mr. Massey gave the number out several times before the evening ended. Thursday’s ceremony stood as an official celebration after a draining three months spent on the campaign trail.
Read more

Posted December 1, 2007 by

Edgfielddaily.com: Transcript of Sen. Massey’s remarks at swearing-in ceremony

Filed Under News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Thank you for coming out today … a day we can officially say is the beginning. I’d be remiss if I didn’t begin with a few thank yous.
First, to all of you, I sincerely appreciate the support you showed me during the recent elections. I’m gratified, and I’m humbled.

I thank the faculty and students of Strom Thurmond High School for allowing us to be here today. I am proud to be an alumnus of this school.

I want to thank Judge Keesley for being here today and swearing me in. It’s an honor to have stood up here with such a dedicated public servant.

Posted December 1, 2007 by

Edgefielddaily.com: Sen. Massey takes Oath of Office at alma mater Thursday

Filed Under News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

District 25 Senator Shane Massey was sworn in to office Thursday at Strom Thurmond High School in front of a packed room of the school’s cafeteria. Circuit Judge William P. Keesley was present to administer the oath of office as Sen. Massey’s wife Blair held their family Bible during the ceremony.

Judge Keesley, also a graduate of Strom Thurmond, said, “I don’t know why Shane choose this venue to take his oath of office, I’m just really glad he did.” Keesley said, “There is no place more fitting to begin the challenging journey as out new Senator.”

After additional remarks of how important our local schools are to the upcoming future leaders and stating that critics, supporters, and all others in the district are now all considered one as “constituents”, Judge Keesley asked Sen. Massey and his wife Blair to join him on the stage to administer the oath of office.

Posted December 1, 2007 by

Aiken Standard: Massey says he’s ready to meet the challenge

Filed Under News, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

After being sworn in as the new District 25 Senator Thursday, Shane Massey sat down with the Aiken Standard to answer a few questions posed to the legislator.

Q: At 32, you are the youngest Senator in the state. Is your age an advantage or disadvantage and why?

A: It is an advantage. I am sitting in the 46th seat. It takes a lot of hard work to be heard. My youth factors into that. I also have a different perspective on some of the issues facing this state.

Q: You are the first Republican to hold the District 25 seat. Is that indicative of a shift in voting demographics?

A: South Carolina and the South as a whole has been shifting towards more conservative values. But in the district, you don’t just win it by saying “I’m a Republican, I’m a Democrat.” You have to show them you’re credible.

Posted December 1, 2007 by