Issue Position: Lowering Taxes and Commonsense Government

Issue Position

# As presiding officer of the State Senate, André's rulings have blocked more than $2 billion in proposed new taxes.

# In 2005 and again in 2006, André cast the tie-breaking vote to keep property tax reform alive. He is a leader in the grass-roots effort to find a way to end property taxes.

# Along with other Senate leaders, André helped change the Senate rules to end filibusters, which have for decades been abused to delay or kill legislation.

# In 2002, André was the first to offer a common-sense plan to shorten lines at Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Thanks to his plan, lines are shorter, and service to motorists has been greatly improved.

# André assembled a panel of business leaders who volunteered to restructure the Office on Aging to make it more cost-efficient and effective. The streamlined agency now delivers more services to seniors, with lower overhead costs than ever before.

# Using no tax dollars, André developed a highly successful public awareness program to help seniors through the confusion surrounding the Medicare Part D Prescription benefit plan. His office has helped thousands of our elderly citizens find the right prescription drug plans.

# Andrérecently unveiled an Internet site that lets taxpayers see details of individual transactions that amount to the state's check register. The site shows details of how state and federal dollars are spent in his Office on Aging. Please visit the site:
http://aging.sc.gov/AccountabilityAndTransparency

# André believes during these tough times we need to look closely at new way to save money and streamline all agencies geared toward older citizens and citizens with disabilities, which will save tax payers money in the long run.

# André will continue to restrain government spending to stop pork projects and wasteful spending of the taxpayer dollar.

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