Nikki Haley to Deliver ‘State of the State’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Governor Nikki Haley says South Carolina can expect ‘no surprises’ during her State of the State address, scheduled for Wednesday evening. She says her idea for South Carolina’s future is simple. Convincing the House, the Senate and South Carolinians on how to achieve those ideals, may not be so simple. “Yes we have challenges, but instead of being negative, take that energy and put it toward something positive,” said Haley. “Get rid of words ‘can’t and no’ and use ‘can and we will’.” In addition to focusing on jobs, the governor says she will push lawmakers to adopt and implement what she calls ‘true tax reform’ over the next four years. She also wants to rid the legislature of a so-called ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ approach when agencies acquire and utilize funding. Other items she plans to champion, include having a prospective governor and lieutenant governor run on the same ticket and have the state superintendent of education appointed by the governor, instead of a person being elected by the people. She knows her first year on record is under the microscope. The democrats will reveal their take on the governor’s speech shortly after her State of the State address. Democratic state Rep. Bakari Sellers will give the party’s response. He says he wants to break through Republican rhetoric about cracking down on unemployment benefits and taxes that create division.