SC Club for Growth Foundation Releases the State of the Legislature
Names 11 Taxpayer Heroes in its annual Legislative Scorecards 

COLUMBIA, S.C. –After Governor Haley’s State of the State address last night, the South Carolina Club for Growth Foundation released its State of the Legislature (2013-2014 Legislative Scorecards). It named 11 Taxpayer Heroes and 117 Taxpayer Nightmares based on their voting records since January of 2013. Scorecards can be found by clicking here.

With 26 Senate votes and 21 House votes, this scorecard is based on 100 possible points for each member. Those scoring an “A” or “B+” earned the title “Taxpayer Hero”. Those legislators scoring a “F” earned the title “Taxpayer Nightmare”.

Club Chairman Dave Ellison said, “Hardworking South Carolinians don’t have the time to monitor each vote. These scorecards show if what is said on the campaign trail or at home matches up with what is done in Columbia. We are proud to give taxpayers this valuable tool that show how a legislator truly feels about spending, reform and other pro-growth issues.”

Scores are based on a thorough analysis of the over 3,000 votes taken last session with a focus on the budget process, government reform and restructuring, and pro or anti-growth policies.

A pro-growth vote received the maximum number of points, while a vote against the pro-growth position received no points. In certain circumstances, points were deducted from legislators for changing a vote. If a legislator went on record as abstaining from a vote – due to a conflict of interest – that vote was not factored into their total score.

The SC Club for Growth Foundation Scorecard only looks at votes on the floor of the Senate and House or Representatives. It does not take into consideration a legislators work outside of the chambers.

2014 Fast Facts:

Senate:
-The average Republican score was 51
-The average Democrat score was 7

Taxpayer Heroes in the Senate:
Shane Massey
Lee Bright
Kevin Bryant
Paul Thurmond

House of Representatives:
-The average Republican score was 45
-The average Democrat score was 5

Taxpayer Heroes in the House:
Ralph Norman
Garry Smith
Deborah Long
Eric Bedingfield
Bill Chumley
Nathan Ballentine
Tommy Stringer

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