Press Release: Shane Massey Pre-files Spending Transparency Bill

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