After considerable debate and a number of amendments, the Senate gave second reading to H.3584 , increasing the cigarette tax, late Wednesday. As amended, the legislation increases the current 7 cents tax to 57 cents per pack, generating a total of $136.1 million. The majority of funds go to the South Carolina Medicaid Reserve Fund. Funds also go to a smoking prevention and cessation program, the Hollings Cancer Center for lung cancer research, the Department of Agriculture to promote SC grown products, and the I-95 Corridor Authority for a grant program for infrastructure. The bill must receive a third and final reading before it is returned to the House to consider Senate amendments. H.3584 passed the House with a 30 cents per pack increase.
Numerous amendments to the bill were considered on Wednesday, including a failed amendment offered by Senator Bright that would have directed cigarette tax revenue towards commercial property relief. Other amendments offered would have directed the revenue to public schools, the court system and aviation incentives; they were either tabled, withdrawn or failed to receive approval.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
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About Me
- Lexington Real Estate with Edwin Gerace
- Lexington, SC, United States
- Edwin Gerace is Realtor with Holiday Builders in Lexington South Carolina. Edwin specializes in New Construction and 1st Time Home Buyers. Edwin is very active in Lexington South Carolina and is knowledgeable about the surroundings. Edwin is very active in his profession and community such as: On active committees with the Columbia Home Builders, active and on committees with Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Town of Lexington Performing Arts Center, Green Building Council of HBA, LORADAC, State Association of Realtors on State and Local Level, and many other community oriented service groups.
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