This Week in The Senate: McConnell, Fair, Alexander, Land

Senators McConnell, Fair, Alexander, and Land chat about the big issues up for debate in the Senate.

Alexander: Only God’s grace may result in cigarette tax hike

South Carolina’s cigarette tax would increase by 50-cents per pack under a plan legislators approved Thursday although the measure almost certainly will be vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford.

With a 16-5 vote, the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Walhalla Republican Thomas Alexander, agreed to raise the nation’s lowest per pack tax from 7 cents to 57 cents a pack. That action came after legislators stopped arguing about how to spend the $145 million the tax would raise. They decided instead to impose the tax in July, create a trust fund for the money and put off spending decisions until next year. Read more

SC Senator Thomas Alexander on Novelty Lighters

SC State Senator Thomas Alexander on his novelty lighter legislation.

Senators Cracking Down on Novelty Lighters

Alexander: “These lighters entice children to play with fire.”

South Carolina’s State Senators today began moving legislation through the General Assembly that will keep novelty lighters out of the hands of children by making it illegal for stores to sell them. The bill’s author and subcommittee members believe the lighters are marketed to appeal to children. Read more

This Week In The Senate - McConnell, Davis, Setzler, Alexander

Senators McConnell, Davis, Setzler, and Alexander talk about the state budget debate.

SC lawmakers want ban on novelty lighters

South Carolina could join other states and cities in banning the sale of toy-like novelty lighters with a bill introduced Wednesday.

Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, held up one of the novelty lighters that looked like a camera close to his face and with a flick, a flame shot above his eyebrows. Read more

Senator wants to ban ‘toy’ lighters that attract children

Tiny brightly-colored cigarette lighters that look like little toys are a menace to children and adults, said a state senator who today introduced a bill to ban them from sale in South Carolina.

“I had no idea these type of lighters existed out there,” said Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee. Read more