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VOL. 7, NO. 1 – May 2008 ISSN: 1540-1499
IN THIS
ISSUE…
    
   
Sources:
Bloomberg;
Marketplace,NPR;
Flickr;
Real Estate.
Observations
By Robert W. Oldendick
The Fiscal Situation in 2008: Economic Conditions and
Future Implications for State Revenues and
Expenditures—The United States and South Carolina
By Richard D. Young
Lawmakers in many states, including South Carolina, are
expecting fewer dollars to spend on state programs this
year due to a downturn in the overall economy. In this
article, three subject areas are discussed relating to
this fiscal situation. The forecasts for the 2008
economies of the United States and South Carolina are
touched upon as based on expert opinion and predictions.
Next, the resulting states’ revenue pictures across the
nation are discussed paired with spending needs and
obligations. Finally, more specifically, South
Carolina’s revenue and expenditure circumstances are
reviewed.
Addressing
Immigration in South Carolina
By Mark A. Bondo
Critics against and advocates for illegal immigration in
South Carolina and the country land on opposite sides of
the debate, with little common ground. Waiting for
federal action, state governments have been seeking to
provide some solution to the problem. This article
addresses immigration in South Carolina as well as
providing some background on the issue itself.
A Downward Spiral: The
Effects of Plummeting Property Values on Neighborhoods
By Anna Berger and William
Tomes
The recent increase in real estate foreclosures due to
the mortgage industry crisis has added to the inventory
of vacant and abandoned homes across the country. An
increasing number of people are being forced to leave
their homes due to foreclosures. According to the Census
Bureau, 2.8% of homes for sale in the United States were
vacant in the fourth quarter of 2007, a record number.
This article addresses the problems communities are
facing due to vacant and abandoned properties, many of
which are related to foreclosures. It also reviews some
of the responses local governments have taken to remedy
these challenging circumstances and the barriers they
encounter.
A Burning Question: How
Will Smoking Bans Affect South Carolina?
By Amanda J. Reich
On March 31, 2008, the South Carolina Supreme Court
ruled that local governments may enact smoking
ordinances that are stricter and more comprehensive than
current prohibitions at the state level. As of January
2008, ten municipalities and two counties in South
Carolina have passed some form of workplace smoking
ordinance, either comprehensive or with exemptions for
bars. To better understand the issues pertaining to
smoking bans, this article explores the risks of
secondhand smoke, restrictive actions taken in other
states and communities, and some economic and health
considerations of importance.
An Interview with Retiring
State Senator John W. Drummond
Senator Drummond (D-Greenwood and Abbeville) is the
current longest serving member of the South Carolina
General Assembly. He was elected to the House of
Representatives in 1964 and served one-term (1965-1966).
He was then elected to the Senate, and has served there
continuously for over four decades. He retires this
legislative session after the completion of his term of
office. In this interview, the Institute poses several
questions to the “Senator from Ninety Six” about his
impending retirement and his distinguished legislative
career.
Around the Institute
By Rebecca J. Collier
This article highlights some
of the Institute’s current programs, studies, and
activities.
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