Lawmakers Back in Session, Voter ID Lawsuit Pending

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Even before the sound of the bell, signaling the start of the 2012 General Assembly, Gov. Nikki Haley pushes forward to challenge the federal government’s ruling that blocks a proposed voter ID law in South Carolina. The US Department of Justice refused to clear the proposed law that would require people to show state or federal identification when they vote in person, on the basis that it would be partly discriminatory. The state plans to sue the Justice Department within the next two weeks. Meanwhile, lawmakers also target issues like the budget, job creation, the state’s pension system and education.