Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

1th t (6am eco ck S.C. lawmakers take part in forum ■ Representatives discuss issues to take to Washington by Valerie Matchette The Gamecock South Carolina’s state representatives took part in a forum Tuesday to discuss issues Columbia citizens want brought to the forefront of the national political scene in Washington, D.C. Sen. Ernest Hollings and Reps. Jim Clybum, Henry Brown, John Spratt and Lindsey Graham were in attendance to answer questions from chamber of commerce members from across the state. Participants’ questions included diverse topics such as migrant workers and problems with the national budget. The economy was a crucial issue, with President Bush’s proposed tax cuts taking center stage. Sen. Hollings advocated 1 percent tax cuts he hoped would “extend to as many people as possible.” Sen. Hollings lamented the budget planning system that makes its plans 10 years in advance, saying this “dilly-dallying around” amounts to a waste of time and eneigy, especially when there is no way to see what the economy will look like a decade from now. Rep. Spratt agreed with a tax cut, saying it could be good for the economy. Rep. Graham had some qualms with the Social Security system. “The political system managing Social Security right now is probably not the best,” Graham said. He said the $80-90 billion projected surplus in the federal budget should be used to make some drastic changes in the structure of the nation’s government. The lawmakers also weighed in on international issues. In response to a question about American servicemembers being held in China, Graham said China shouldn’t be coddled because they tend to break global trade regulations. He said Ameijca should “declare these people, in terms of the way they run their country, out of bounds.” He added that the U.S. only trades with China to make easy money and that, politically, America should stand up to them without starting a war. Rep. Spratt agreed, saying the U.S. foreign policy toward China should be firm and consistent, but not inflammatory. “For our part, we’ve got to get along with them,” Spratt said. He said China should be willing to compromise because it is trying to gain entrance into the World Trade Organization. Local issues were also brought to the forefront, as Rep. Clybum was questioned on the validity of his proposed bridge project, which would link Lone Star and Rimini, two Lowcountry rural areas. In response to questions about the necessity of the bridge in light of its $70 million cost, Clybum defended the project, saying it would help the commute of hundreds of residents who deserved the bridge. “Those people are living on a broken promise,” Clybum said. He assured the audience that environmental studies have shown the three-mile connector would have no negative impact on surrounding areas. The city desk can be reached at gamecockcitydesk@hotmail.com l Incubator from page 1 of the businesses that begin in incubators are still running. According to the National Business Incubation Association’s Web site, 87 percent of the businesses that came from the incubators remain in business. Another business could potentially be announced, but there were still unanswered questions, Stevenson said. If that business were awarded the resources, four more businesses would be named in the fall. If not, five would be given the green light. Two alternates were also announced: ■ Mobile Marketing, from Thomas Chandler III, Michael Grant and Andrew Rogers, which would use veliicles as advertisements by wrapping ads around them ■ Rod Scott’s Innovative Marketing, which would make smart chip-equipped discount cards that could be used at area businesses. The Student Incubator was founded with a $150,000 grant given to SG by the South Carolina Research Institute, the hugest in the oiganization’s history Eaddy announced the grant Jan. 23, and finalists were selected by SG’s student incubator advisory committee last month. The businesses must begin operating between May 1 and Aug. 31. A second group of businesses will be selected Sept. 1, and all 10 will be housed at the USC Columbia Technology Incubator at 1233 Washington St. If it remains viable, each business will be allowed to use the university’s resources for two years. The university desk can be reached at gamecockudesk@hotmail.com „ Congratulations to Sarah CP. CCfones Ufie 20001"Recipient of the Outstanding Woman of the year at 00SG GOward <£ ScAofarsJiip Sponsored ip (tie 70omen Students ’ dissociation and tie Office ofTOomen’s Student Services Earth Day Festival 2001 USC School of the Environment, S.A.G.E. & Facility Services Department 1 1:00 am - 1:00-pm ] :00 pm - 2:30pm Wednesday; April 18 Mid-day Events 4:30-5:30pm on Greene Street by the 5:30-7:00pm Russell House For more information, please contact the Schoc BMnPBVBS ■ MgnkMH Celebration of the Earth and the Environment Showcase of Environmental Programs, Research & Activities at USC, as well as Community & Environmental Organizations. Listen to music by The MoonshineBand, enjoy Free Food, participate in a variety of events (Greene Street in front of Russell House) Awards ceremony in front of Russell House. Environmental Stewardship & Environmental Essay Contest Clean Carolina Earth Day Sweep, free T-Shirts to participants! (Sign -up tables will be located on Greene Street) Frisbee Fun! Green Space next to Longstreet Theatre The Soul Mites, live music on the Russell House Back Patio. (Free and open to USC Community) Litter Awareness Blitz, Greene Street (Pickens to Main) Trash receptacles will be placed along Greene Street all day. Do your part and help us keep it clean. i| of the Environment at 777-1325 or email: earthday@environ.sc.edu • • : ; /> 0 to 4 . drinks when they Party! ppM#;;