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NewslettersBluffton's Herbkersman gains coveted seat on Ways and Means Committee
mshapiro@islandpacket.com
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For the first time in years, Beaufort County's legislative delegation will be represented on the S.C. House of Representatives committee that controls the state's purse strings.
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Bluffton Rep. Bill Herbkersman was appointed to the powerful Ways and Means Committee Wednesday morning -- and he said it's about time.
"It's fantastic news: We finally have a seat at the table," Herbkersman said of being on the committee that reviews most bills with dollar signs attached to them.
During a session in which the legislature is expected to make cuts due to slowing revenues, Herbkersman said he'll be in the thick of the discussions and will work to make sure local programs promoting tourism and those that bring dollars to the state aren't slashed.
"We've got to make sure cuts are made where they're needed. It's not pork when programs make money," he said.
Other members of the local delegation also gained power Wednesday.
Rep. Shannon Erickson of Beaufort was named to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, the panel that looks at economic development measures.
"It's a fabulous committee for our area," Erickson said. "We have the Jasper Port sitting in our backyard," and the potential to be a region with a lot of new job opportunities as a result.
Hilton Head Island Rep. Richard Chalk returned to the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. He could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
Erickson also said that Kenneth Hodges, who represents parts of Beaufort and Colleton counties, was named to the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee. That's a coup for the county because of his strong record on environmental issues, she said.
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