Senior groups honor Senator Alexander

A reception was held Wednesday afternoon at the Oconee Senior Center to honor state Senator Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, for his support of seniors.

“Senator Alexander does a tremendous job for the seniors of Oconee County,” said Doug Wright, president and CEO of Senior Solutions, which serves Anderson and Oconee counties. “You could not ask for a better statesman. He represents all of Oconee County but he particularly looks out for seniors. He has helped Senior Solutions and Lakeview Assisted Living, which is part of us, in so many different ways. We’re just taking this opportunity with AARP to say thank you to him and give a little recognition to him because he does such a great job for us.” Read more

Alexander delivers flyers to SDOC regarding healthcare program for students

State Sen. Thomas Alexander played Santa Claus Wednesday, delivering bundles of flyers informing parents about a new South Carolina Children’s Healthcare Insurance Program to officials with the School District of Oconee County.

While the flyers weren’t wrapped in the traditional holiday wrapping paper and bows, its impact could be priceless to parents who don’t have healthcare insurance for their children. Read more

Senate sends School Forgiveness and Flexibility bills back to House for final approval

Could go to governor as early as today

State Sen. Larry Martin, of Pickens, said Tuesday night that the bills forgiving up to three missed school days and allowing schools flexibility in addressing budget cuts have been approved in the Senate and sent to the House.

Martin said he spoke with State Rep. Phil Owens, of Easley, and that Owens said he felt confident that the private school amendment would be withdrawn.

“He said they (House) would clean it up and ratify it,” Martin said.

Though school districts are expected to build make-up days into their annual calendars for inclement weather, the budget crunch has led some legislators to urge forgiveness to save costs.

However, both the House and Senate tacked amendments onto the bill and the latest House amendment — allowing the inclusion of homeschooled and private school students — caused the legislation to hit a snag. Oconee County District Superintendent Mike Lucas said last week the April 10 make-up day is still on schedule, although he remains hopeful the day will be forgiven prior to that time.

Martin said the funding flexibility also appears to be on its way to Gov. Mark Sanford, provided the House is ready to concur on amendments contained therein. Among the measures contained within the bill is allowing school districts to delay the issuance of teacher contracts from April 15 to May 15. Read more