Ervin’s call for DSS session called unrealistic

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Petition candidate for governor Tom Ervin is asking the Legislature to return to Columbia for a special session to remove the Department of Social Services from Gov. Nikki Haley’s control.

Ervin says South Carolina’s most vulnerable children should not have to wait until next year for action.

His suggestion is highly improbable. Before legislators could craft any proposal, both chambers would have to agree by a two-thirds majority to even allow a special session on DSS.

Crime victims’ advocate Laura Hudson says she sees no benefit to removing DSS from the governor’s Cabinet anyway.

Haley’s Democratic challenger, Sen. Vincent Sheheen, says that would decrease accountability.

A Senate panel that’s been investigating the agency since January meets again Tuesday. Republican panelist Sen. Katrina Shealy called Ervin’s request unrealistic grandstanding.