SCAHACC Won
The Battle Four Times
But Lost the War
with Governor's
"Handyman Veto"

With three years of background research and hard work by volunteers, SCAHACC's Consumer Safety Act died with one fell swoop of Governor Sanford's pen as he vetoed H4595 on the very last day of session this year.  

Less than one year ago, last August to be exact, the Legislative Committee met and set its 2006 Legislative goals.  Those goals included the continuation of building a strong grassroots program with the membership and having the Consumer Safety Act introduced and through the House of Representatives.  "Our plan was to secure sponsors for the legislation, get the bill introduced and then work it through the House so we could learn more about the process and which legislators would help us," said Legislative Chairman Randy Pardee.  "Last summer, we never considered the fact that we might actually be able to get the law passed in one-half of a two year session - that's virtually unheard of for an association as young as ours in the legislative arena."

In the end, SCAHACC not only worked its bill through the House once but twice AND worked it through the Senate twice as well.  'We are disappointed, but we've only begun to fight.  With the Governor's comparison of our trade to that of handymen, we obviously have much more education and work to do and this "Handyman veto" as we call it will only fuel our efforts,' said Association President and active Legislative Committee member, David Williams.

Later this summer or early fall, the Legislative Committee hopes to host a Legislative Rally - to do just that - rally our troops.  Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to let our elected officials know that we are a professional group of tradesmen and women who intend to raise the bar in our industry.

" We have learned a lot!  We have especially learned which of our legislators are small business allies and some even HVAC champions," said Pardee.  "We have many people to thank and this list will be shared with members throughout this newsletter, by e-mail and at our Legislative Rally.  Please take the time to let these legislators know how much we appreciate what they have done for our industry and small business, and THAT WE'LL BE BACK NEXT YEAR!"

Governor's Veto Message [PDF]

Written Responses
to Governor's veto 
[PDF]

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Legislative News
March 2008

Legislators Invest
Time in Constituents
at DuctFair

Several legislators took the time to attend DuctFair and learn more about the association, its educational as well as its legislative efforts. Those who attended were Rep. Lanny Littlejohn from Pacolet, Rep. Bob Walker from Landrum, Senator John Hawkins from Spartanburg, Senator Gerald Malloy from Hartsville and Senator Kent Williams from Marion.