Statement from Gov. Nikki Haley on pension reform, DOA

COLUMBIA, SC – June 20, 2012 – Governor Nikki Haley today released the following statement regardingpension reform and the Department of Administration conference committeemeeting:

“This is the critical week for pension reform and the Department ofAdministration bill.  We’ve worked on both of these issues for two fullsessions, and now it’s time to get the job done for the citizens andtaxpayers of South Carolina.

“When I talk to credit rating agencies, they tell me that the mostimportant thing we can do to protect our rating is to take action toreduce the unfunded liabilities in our pension system.  I’d like tothank Senators Alexander, Ryberg, and Setzler and RepresentativesMerrill, Bingham and Cobb-Hunter for their work so far, and urge them tofinish the job.

“We also know that finishing our work on the Department ofAdministration is essential to creating a leaner and more effectivegovernment.  This bill not only improves accountability, but also thequality of the services that South Carolina state government provides.  It will also let us run the state more like a business.   No CEO lackscontrol over personnel, facilities, technology, or other back officefunctions, and this state’s Governor shouldn’t either.   I’d like tothank Senators Larry Martin, Malloy and Massey, and RepresentativesHarrison, Lucas and White for understanding that, and I appreciate alltheir hard work so far.

“The time is now.  The conference committee reports for both ofthese bills must be completed and adopted this week if they are tobecome law this year.  South Carolina can’t afford for either of them tofail when we’ve worked so hard to pass these crucial reforms.

“I applaud the Senators and Representatives who have struggled toreach a compromise on both of these bills, which address some verycomplex issues – but we are running out of time.  It’s time to giveSouth Carolina the reform it so strongly desires.  It’s time to bringboth these bills home.”