State House Gavel Controversy: $1.8B Error Sparks Resignation of House Dem!

The South Carolina Statehouse has seen some dramatic events unfold as lawmakers return to work this year.

From resignations to unexpected financial scandals, the Capitol has been buzzing with heated debates.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s been happening in Columbia, South Carolina’s political heart.

A Surprise Resignation Shakes Up the House

Rep. Will Wheeler, a Democrat from Lee County, made a surprising move early in the legislative session by announcing his resignation on just the third day.

Wheeler, who had been in office since 2017, explained that he had made the difficult decision to step down to run for a local judicial seat.

His departure leaves a vacancy in District 50, which covers Lee, Kershaw, and Sumter counties. The resignation is a blow to the Democrats, as it reduces their seats in the House from 35 to 34.

Wheeler’s resignation comes as a result of his ambition to move into the judicial field, and while it’s not the first time a lawmaker has made such a decision, it’s still a rare and noteworthy event this early in the session.

A special election will be scheduled to fill the vacant seat, but it will take several months before voters will have their say.

The $1.8 Billion Accounting Error

One of the biggest stories in the Statehouse this week is the discovery of a massive accounting error, which has lawmakers and auditors scrambling to understand what went wrong.

A report from outside auditors revealed that $1.8 billion reported by the state wasn’t actual cash.

The shocker: $1.6 billion of that amount was nonexistent, and $245 million had already been spent in previous budgets.

The issue has stirred up intense debates within the Statehouse. Republican lawmakers are calling for the resignation of State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, who has faced criticism over his handling of state funds.

Some have even gone so far as to file resolutions calling for his impeachment. However, Loftis has stood by his handling of taxpayer money, claiming that every dime is accounted for.

The error isn’t just a local issue—it has caught the attention of federal agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also launched an investigation into the matter.

While the investigation continues, the state’s government is under the microscope, with lawmakers questioning whether any heads should roll over this financial mishap.

Energy Capacity: A Critical Issue for South Carolina

As South Carolina’s population grows and its industries expand the state’s energy needs are also increasing.

Lawmakers are taking action to address the state’s growing demand for electricity, with many calling for legislation to boost energy capacity.

This push comes after the failure of the VC Summer nuclear reactor project, which became a $9 billion disaster for taxpayers.

This year, the focus is on improving the state’s energy infrastructure. The House has introduced a bill, H. 3309, aimed at addressing the issue.

Utility leaders are looking at the potential for completing the two reactors at the VC Summer site, although the state-owned utility, Santee Cooper, has made it clear that it does not intend to be the owner or operator of any new reactors.

Despite the growing need for more energy, some advocates are raising concerns. Critics argue that the proposed bill may lead to weakened regulations and unfair advantages for big utilities, which are already receiving favorable rates.

The debate is ongoing, but the issue is likely to remain a focal point in the coming months.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for South Carolina’s Lawmakers?

Lawmakers are gearing up for a busy session, with more important debates and decisions on the horizon.

As the House and Senate adjourn for the week, they’ll return to work on committee matters and get ready for the debates ahead.

The week of April 14 will see the House on furlough, followed by a potential break after the chamber passes its version of the state budget.

For now, the state’s political leaders will continue to tackle issues like energy capacity, financial accountability, and education funding. South Carolina’s Capitol is sure to be a place of intense action and decision-making as the year unfolds.

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