Economic development plan for S.C. unveiled

COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA — House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman headlined an announcement today that detailed a plan for the creation of high-paying jobs, and a let loose slew of criticism for Gov. Mark Sanford.

"The number one issue facing our state for the next two decades is our economy. Our state has held the title of 'One of the Worst Unemployment Rates in the Nation' for far too long," Harrell said.

The legislative leaders, who were joined by researchers, academics and private business people, drew a comparison to the unemployment rates during Sanford's administration and those of former Govs. Carroll Campbell and David Beasley.

The goal is to create more high paying jobs, which Harrell said will spur job growth in other sectors such as the construction industry. The plan is intended to combat the state's unemployment rate and raise household income levels.

While Harrell, R-Charleston, said he was focused on the future, rather than identifying any missteps by Sanford, Leatherman, R-Florence, did not hold back.

"After observing the actual results over the past several years, it has become painfully clear that this administration simply doesn't care about creating jobs for our people," Leatherman said.

Harrell added: "However, the past few years of inaction and missed opportunities have shown us that if we truly want those high-paying jobs created, we must not only provide the means but also the execution. Especially now, given the current state of our national economy and our high unemployment rate, we can no longer wait for that leadership to present itself."

Sanford's press secretary Joel Sawyer rebutted the claim.

"It's an election year ploy to distract from the fact that the Legislature has consistently failed to prioritize spending, and has cut funding for our economic development efforts as a result," Sawyer said.

In what's being called the "Future Economic Development Blueprint," the major focus is to build South Carolina's knowledge-based economy. The plan combines part legislative efforts with an outline for future collaborative execution and the creation of a Knowledge Sector Council. The council will work to ensure the efforts, tax dollars and investments are "focused, synergistic, coordinated and maximized," according to the objectives outlined.

The plan was designed by legislators, the South Carolina Research Authority, private sector leaders and in partnership with the state's research universities.

The announcement was made at the state's Employment Security Commission.

For more on this story, read tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier. Check back to Charleston.net later for more reaction from Sanford's office.