Though a month has passed, let me start by saying Happy New Year. Boy has 2016 started with a bang, and SCSPE has hit 2016 running.
The 2016 legislative session opened on January 12, 2016 and Joe S. Jones, Lobbyist, and I were there to hear the bell ring. SCSPE and the engineering community has several bills we are monitoring as we try to get the Practice Act (S.685/H.3928) passed. On the second day of session H.4661, commonly known as the “pipe bill” was introduced, and SCSPE had a battle on its hands. The bill went a subcommittee hearing the next week where Joe Jones testified. Past President Marguerite McClam, PE, F.NSPE was on hand in case an engineer’s testimony was needed. The bill has been stopped for the time being as the subcommittee adjourned debate, but it could resurface this year.
We expect to need your help moving legislation this year. Please answer our legislative alerts when we make them. We will need to use SCSPE’s collective voice to show the legislature that engineers have issues they want addressed.
SCSPE’s first event of 2016 was partnering with ACEC-SC, ASCE-SC, AIA-SC, Carolinas AGC, and SEA-SC for the “Design Construction Partnership Legislative Reception.” With 97 engineers there and close to 50 House members, Senators, and elected officials in attendance this was a great success.
SCSPE has some things on the horizon. On February 17, 2016 the ACEC-SC and SCSPE Winter Meeting is being held at Seawell’s in Columbia, SC. ACEC-SC provides an environmental track at this meeting, while SCSPE provides a business track. Registration is now open, and this event yields 6 PDHs.
With the help of Representative Kenny Bingham, PE, and Senator Shane Martin by House and Senate Resolution, February 24, 2016 has been declared South Carolina Engineer’s Day. We will be recognized in the House Chambers on that day, so try to attend.
SCSPE is finalizing this year’s disaster preparedness training to be held in the fall. After the historic flood this year, we think this is a great year to hold this seminar. Those who had taken it already were able to volunteer to help after the flood.
Go ahead and mark your calendars and plan on attending the SC Engineering Conference & Trade Show in Charleston June 23-26, 2016.
Please let me know if there is anything the state society can do for you.
Thanks,
Adam B. Jones
SCSPE
Executive Director