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S.C. General Assembly to meet next week to likely extend budget, session as coronavirus spreads

The Senate and House announced they would return on April 8th to try to pass two pieces of legislation

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senate President Harvey Peeler, (R) Cherokee, announced Thursday morning the Senate would return April 8 for a one-day session.

The Senate, which has not met since passing an emergency $45 million funding bill for DHEC, said at the time it would return when necessary.

But, in recent weeks, Peeler has resisted calling the senators back for session.

In his letter, Peeler said there was now a pressing need to return.

"Knowing that the Senate must return before May 14, the state's public health professionals advise that this work be done as soon as possible and as quickly as possible," Peeler wrote.

The Senate will likely extend the existing state budget and then schedule a return to regular session for later than usual this year, according to the announcement.

The Senate previously did not pass a continuing resolution for the current budget back in March, as some senators argued it sent the wrong message to the public.

RELATED: S.C. Governor signs $45 million funding bill for DHEC to fight coronavirus

RELATED: SC Senate approves $45 million emergency funding bill for DHEC to fight virus

During the same day of session they passed the $45 million for DHEC, some senators argued a continuing resolution showed the state's government was quitting its work, while other senators argued it was necessary to ensure the state's spending could continue if there were restrictions on movement and meetings through the regular end of session in May.

At the time, at least one state senator was wearing gloves in the chamber, and some expressed concern for the health of others.

"This is not a decision made lightly. The health of all our citizens is our greatest concern and we will do what is necessary to combat the spread of this virus," Peeler wrote in his announcement.

Later Thursday, the Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement:

“The South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus does not believe it is in the best interests of the state of South Carolina for the General Assembly to convene next Wednesday, pass a continuing resolution, and then abandon our duties for the next three months. Instead, we propose that legislators should be working in small groups via video conference calls or by having small meetings of select members in large rooms with appropriate social distance spacing to make sure operations continue.

“Our Caucus believes we should spend that time ensuring South Carolina’s government is doing what it must to conquer the COVID-19 crisis, and making wise decisions in appropriating funds to keep the state government working. The General Assembly should then gather after the peak of the crisis, as advised by experts, to finish our business while taking all appropriate precautions. It is not in the best interest of our staff, our vulnerable members, or the people of South Carolina for the General Assembly to meet next week and then call it quits until the Fall. In the meantime, we urge all South Carolinians who are able to stay at home and practice social distancing”.

The Senate will return April 8th at 1pm.

The South Carolina House will also return on April 8th at 1pm. 

In an email sent to members it reads, "The House is coming into session to address two items: (1) a Continuing Resolution to provide for the continued operation of state government beginning July 1; and, (2) a Sine Die Resolution."

The email says the Chamber will be cleaned before Wednesday. There also will be more chairs along the walls and the balcony will be closed to the public, to allow legislators to spread out and follow social distancing.

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