Since Sept. 2 Adam Jones and I have been going to legislator’s home districts, meeting engineers and surveyors from those areas and the legislators to talk about two issues: the Engineers’ and Surveyors’ Practice Act and highway and bridge funding. So far, 13 appointments with legislators have been held. 20 engineers and surveyors have accompanied us to the meetings.
On Oct. 1, a luncheon was held in Greenville where legislators from the Piedmont were invited to attend. Three senators and 25 engineers and surveyors attended. Senators Corbin, Reese and Turner attended and representatives from the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina, the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers and the South Carolina Society of Professional Land Surveyors attended.
Other legislators we’ve met are Sen. Paul Campbell, Sen. Paul Bennett, Rep. Eddie Southard, Rep. Grady Brown, Rep. Mike Ryhal, Rep. Kevin Hardee, Rep. Terry Anderson, Rep. Kenny Bingham, PE, Rep. Todd Atwater and Rep. Mac Toole.
Our target audiences for these meeting are members of the Senate and House Labor Commerce and Industry Committees and the sponsors of the House (H. 3928) and Senate (685) bills.
Our message has been consistent: As either Practice Act sponsors and/or members of the LCI Committee, the engineering and surveying communities are asking for your support to pass the Engineers’ and Surveyors’ Practice Act as it has been introduced and to adequately fund the state’s transportation system.