BAKARI SELLERS PLAN ISN’T MUCH … BUT IT’S BETTER THAN WHAT BIG GOVERNMENT REPUBLICANS ARE PROPOSING
S.C. Rep. Bakari Sellers (D-Bamberg) is smart.
He understands “Republicans” in South Carolina are committed to growing government and raising taxes – which gives him plenty of room to maneuver as a minority member of a minority party representing a rural district in the middle of B.F.E.
For example while “Republican” legislative leaders have been pushing for a gas tax hike – Sellers swooped in last year with a modest proposal to reduce South Carolina’s fuel tax. Did it pass? Hell no, but Sellers positioned himself very well compared to the party of “lower taxes.”
This year Sellers is at it again … proposing a trio of bills aimed at (marginally) improving the state’s fiscal condition.
“I want to start this year off right,” Sellers said. “That means getting our fiscal house in order.”
Sellers’ legislation won’t exactly do that, but it would do the following …
1) prohibit the S.C. Budget and Control Board (SCBCB) from raiding the Insurance Reserve Fund (without authorization)
2) provide transparency in terms of requiring state agencies to disclose their deficits
3) authorize the use of select Capital Reserve Funds for a one-time “small business tax break”
Obviously the devil in any of these proposals is the details, and our guess is that Sellers trio of reforms won’t amount to anything resembling the long overdue fiscal reform our state so desperately needs. Still, if his proposals are approved they would likely keep a few million dollars in the private sector which would otherwise be spent on government while better prioritizing money taken from various reserve accounts. That may not be much in a $23 billion budget – but it’s more than “Republicans” are offering.
And that’s the point …
Sellers has recognized that South Carolina’s majority party isn’t going to do jack to lower taxes or prioritize spending … and that he can pick up political points by proposing such measures at the fringes of government.
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15 comments
Why the hell is this guy calling himself a Democrat? Is he in a majority black district or something?
Someone inform me on the demographics of Bamberg please, other than it belching out our current governor.
I don’t have the big picture on his overall platform which is probably pro big gov’t or something. I’m sure one of the political experts here know more and maybe they’ll share.
Went to a few Democratic functions over the last 3 or 4 years (yeah, admitting that gets you the leper treatment) and this is becoming more and more common. If the candidate is black, male and under 35 or so there is an increasing chance that he is running on a limited government platform. If he is white, under 40 or so, he runs on tough on crime (under 35 and he more than likely still working at his dad’s insurance business/law office).
If a Republican who conducts business like a Democrat is called a RINO, then what does one call a Democrat who conducts business like a Republican?
Answer: Governor
I agree with your analysis but feel that Sellers will not be so moderate when he runs to replace Jim Clyburn.
Interesting that the link to the proposed “gas tax hike” is 5 1/2 years old.
Did the guy ever pass the bar exam?
I’m sure Jean Toal made sure of his passing grade!
Think he did on his third try. Third time’s a charm.
It’s no secret that Rep. Sellers is running for Lt. Governor. There was some discussion about him not being old enough – this time. We thought that Todd Rutherford would be the one – but Toal owns him lock, stock and barrel.
Old white republicans towing the party line in lockstep. Young black democrat showing initiative and originality. End time prophecy.
How’s it feel to base every thought that you have on your Filthy Hate and insideious RACISM????…
Liberals are the present-day KKK…you hATE Whites just because they are they are white, while you Wish you would have blessed with being black. You Worship, and Envy, other men because of their skin color and your own weakness and insecurity.
You are America at its Bigoted WORST…and you are an UGLY representation…
This manu is either good or bad on his character…and since he has a ‘D’ beside his name, it’s a mighty bad start…
Wow: FITS praising another Black Democrat, and bashing Republicans…but FITS SWEARS he’s a Conservative, who Tells it Like it Is…
FITS: you’re just another Pack-Think, pop culture Jockey, hung up on Race and the guilt from your middle-class, cul-de-sac comfort, that you’ve been taught is Bigotry…
Grow a brain, you Dumb@$$…your grandparents did not take responsibility and actually contribute to your family’s strength, just so you could give away your foundation because some weak and ignorant Race Pimps snookered it out of you…
Quit being a Coward to these lazy, stupid and irresponsible thugs…
they Fail because they lack morals and character…quit aiding and abeiting….
For someone who calls other people racist, you certainly bring up race a lot yourself.
He’s been up drunk all night. Again.
Au Contraire: I’m just reacting (very accurately) to your Obsession with race…and you Racist A-Holes can’t stand it, because you KNOW I’m right…
And you NEVER get called on it…
So you Crap your pants when I slap the P!$$ out of you w/ it…