The presiding officer the senate will come to order. Mr. Menendez [inaudible] and after having had the benefit of having a hearing on the pipeline ive decided to oppose this bill for four basic reasons. First, on the bill i am deeply concerned that if approved, this pipe lynn will be the first of many pipelines opening one of the largest sources of carbon on earth to exploitation. Second contrary to what many believe, im convinced this pipeline will simply not enhance, help, or in any positive way improve our energy profile. Third, in my view, it is completely absurd for congress to take the role of permitting pipelines. It is a role we have never assumed and should not assume now. And, fourth, i believe its ridiculous that our republican colleagues insist on language banning Eminent Domain for National Parks legislation but oppose it when it comes to foreign or private projects like keystone. Furthermore, mr. President we cannot underestimate the Environmental Impacts of this pipeline
We still have very substantial infrastructure revenue needs that have to be addressed. We have studied every option. Some have advocated raising the state gas tax. Yes, we do have the third lowest gas tax in america. Gas prices are now down to their lowest level since 2009. NonSouth Carolinans who visit our state would pay a portion of the tax and we would boost the are revenue stream thats dedicated to improving our roads and highways. But there are also major problems with it. We have not gotten to where we are as a state with our strengthening and growing economy by raising taxes. Quite the opposite. If all we do is increase taxes whether its the gas tax or some other tax, we will hurt our citizens, we will discourage job creators and we will dampen our economy. As ive said many times, i will veto any straightup increase in the gas tax. Thats just not going to happen while im governor. Its the wrong thing for South Carolina. So heres the deal. Lets do three things at once that will
School district is incredible. They are all here to provide you information about how we have been able to link this all together and the collaboration going on with all our city departments whether they hear there is no cutss, they are collaborating more because they enjoy this feeling. I told them that theyll be able to sustain more when they collaborate all the different programs together. This is about our parents and our families today. 1. 8 million doesnt sound like a lot, when you get rid of waitest list that is a huge huge difference and we experienced those waitest lings lists in the past with a high degree of anxiety where the kids say i want to get there and dont woe knoe if i will get in and they have to wait and wait and wait. No waiting on this and then again we get to say enroll into these programs quickly. All the people here behind me are to be thanked because they are massing that collaboration we need and they can advise me where to put the resource squz this will re
Announcement. It is all most as exciting as telling a department that you wont be cut this year. People smile at that because they know they can get their kids into these wundserful programs whether it is swimming or learning a new skill or additional language classes or skill sets, they will all happen at the Wonderful Community based centers. They happen in atifep wment the library and School Districts and happen in our hope sf sites. They happen all over the city because we are committed to making sure our kids are healthy and strong and ready and there are no gaps in the way they learn. By the way, this happens also to be a great contribution to our parents as well because when the parents are struggling with their 2 or 3 scheduled working throughout the summer to make ends meet, they can have affordable programs in the city particularly low income kids can [inaudible] all summer to all these prms and have places that are safe, inviting and endorsed by our School District and that
Wim bring. In working on parks and libraries, i worked with a lot of families in the district and what do paincht want . Their want their chaern to be safe and well educated and hap squewant them to have opportunities. Working parents want to know during the summer they are children have a same productive place to be. Kids in addition to a safe and loving home and good schools, they need opportunities for recreation and outside learning. These praments will provide that to over 1 thousand children. We are grateful for the leadership of all the people who made it happen and happy to bing this home to my cuj stituents and the head line is summer is c34ing and it is going to be fun e. We hope to see you there. And the king of eliminating all waiting list is superintendened richards collagea im concern when he says that in enrollment season. You know something i dont know mr. Mayor . Iment to thank everyone here, our board president and [inaudible] all Department Heads here. It is hard fol