Ballentine's Sponsored Bills: Laws And Legislative Legacy

Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Nathan Ballentine, has sponsored several bills that have become law since his election in 2004. Ballentine's legislative career has seen him focus on healthcare, fiscal issues, and government accountability. Notable bills that have become law include H.3741, which increased the focus on geriatric medicine, and the Campaign Finance Disclosure Bill, which requires elected officials to file campaign disclosure reports online. Ballentine has also sponsored successful legislation banning hidden earmarks, reducing the tax burden on non-profits, and enhancing energy options for ratepayers.

Geriatric medicine focus

During his time in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Nathan Ballentine has sponsored several bills that have become law. Ballentine's focus on geriatric medicine is evident in his efforts to increase attention on this area of healthcare. Here is a detailed overview of his work in this field:

Nathan Ballentine has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving geriatric medicine in South Carolina. As a freshman representative, he was elected Vice Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs committee. He worked diligently to pass his first bill, H.3741, which became law within three months. This legislation brought about a much-needed increase in the focus on geriatric medicine across the state, particularly benefiting senior citizens. This achievement set the tone for Ballentine's dedication to healthcare-related issues during his tenure.

Ballentine's re-election provided further opportunities to address healthcare concerns. In his second year in office, he shifted his attention to autistic children, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to healthcare that considers the needs of all age groups. While his efforts with H.4351 did not result in the bill becoming law, it paved the way for similar legislation to pass in the following year. This initiative underscores Ballentine's persistence and dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for all citizens of South Carolina.

Throughout his career, Ballentine has continued to advocate for various healthcare-related causes. His sponsorship of multiple bills and his work on relevant committees have contributed to significant advancements in geriatric medicine in South Carolina. By prioritizing the well-being of senior citizens, Ballentine has left a positive and lasting impact on the state's approach to healthcare.

On-The-Record Voting

In 2008, Nathan Ballentine and then-Representative Nikki Haley co-sponsored a bill to push for more accountability with On-The-Record Voting. Although the bill ultimately died in the Senate, the House made a rule change and passed the bill with no dissenting votes.

Ballentine became the lead sponsor for the On-The-Record Voting Bill in 2011, and it was passed into law by Governor Nikki Haley, marking her first bill signed into law. This bill was part of Ballentine's commitment to protecting the values that have given his community a high quality of life.

The On-The-Record Voting Bill was not the first bill sponsored by Ballentine that became law. In his first year in office, he successfully pushed for H.3741, a bill focused on geriatric medicine, to become law. During his first re-election campaign, he also pushed for fiscal issues that led to the passage of H.3008, which reduced the tax burden on non-profits.

In the 2010 session, Ballentine's Campaign Finance Disclosure Bill became law. This bill requires every elected official, from school board members to county office holders, to file their campaign disclosure report online. This law provided more transparency into the money behind state politics in South Carolina.

Ballentine has had a notable career in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving since 2005 and focusing on various issues, including healthcare, fiscal policy, and government transparency.

Campaign finance disclosure

In 2010, Nathan Ballentine's Campaign Finance Disclosure Bill became law. The bill requires every elected official, from school board members to county office holders, to file their campaign disclosure reports online. This law brings greater transparency to the financial backing of political candidates in South Carolina.

Ballentine's efforts to increase transparency in campaign financing built on his earlier work with then-Representative Nikki Haley to push for more accountability in voting records. Although their initial bill for on-the-record voting ultimately died in the Senate, it paved the way for a successful House rule change and the passage of the bill with no dissenting votes. This demonstrated Ballentine's commitment to increasing transparency and accountability in South Carolina's political system.

The Campaign Finance Disclosure Bill was a significant addition to South Carolina's political landscape, ensuring that the public could easily access information about the financial backers of their elected officials. This law empowered citizens with knowledge about potential conflicts of interest and allowed for greater scrutiny of the influence of money in politics.

Ballentine's work in this area is a testament to his drive to improve the integrity of the political process and increase public trust in their elected representatives. By requiring campaign disclosure reports to be filed online, the law made this important information more accessible and searchable for citizens.

Furthermore, Ballentine's commitment to financial transparency extended beyond his work in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Throughout his career, he has chosen to donate his state legislative salary to community groups and organizations, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to his community.

Reduced tax burden on non-profits

Nathan Ballentine, a Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, has successfully sponsored legislation to reduce the tax burden on non-profits. This was made possible by his first re-election, which provided an opportunity to address fiscal issues and led to the passage of H.3008, reducing taxes for non-profits.

Ballentine has consistently demonstrated his commitment to protecting the values and quality of life in his community. Before his election in 2004, he was actively involved with numerous community groups, such as the Lake Murray/Irmo Rotary, various homeowners' associations, and civic organizations. He has continued to support these groups by returning his legislative salary to them and, more recently, through charitable donations.

During his tenure in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Ballentine has been recognised for his work, being named a Friend of the Taxpayer and Taxpayer Hero on multiple occasions. He has also received endorsements from a diverse range of organisations, including the SC Chamber of Commerce, the National Rifle Association, and the Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

Ballentine's dedication to his community is further exemplified by his work as Vice Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committee during his freshman year. He successfully pushed for an increased focus on geriatric medicine, with his first filed bill, H.3741, becoming law within three months. Additionally, his efforts to address healthcare for young autistic children, through H.4351, laid the groundwork for similar legislation to pass in the following year, influencing policy beyond his state.

In conclusion, Nathan Ballentine's legislative record, specifically his sponsorship of H.3008, has directly contributed to reducing the tax burden on non-profits in South Carolina. This achievement aligns with his broader commitment to improving his community and promoting fiscal responsibility. Ballentine's work has been recognised through various accolades and endorsements, solidifying his impact as a representative.

House rule change banning hidden earmarks

During his first term after being elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2004, Nathan Ballentine focused on healthcare. In his second term, Ballentine shifted his attention to fiscal issues, which led to the passage of H.3008, a law that reduced the tax burden on non-profits. This period also saw a House rule change banning hidden earmarks.

H.3008 and the rule change banning hidden earmarks were significant outcomes of Ballentine's second term in office. The law H.3008 aimed to reduce the tax burden on non-profits, providing fiscal relief to organisations operating in the state. The House rule change, on the other hand, addressed the issue of hidden earmarks, bringing more transparency and accountability to the legislative process.

Earmarks refer to provisions in legislation that direct funds to specific projects or entities. They are often attached to appropriations bills and can be used to allocate money for projects in a legislator's district. While earmarks can be used to fund worthwhile initiatives, they have also been criticised for being susceptible to abuse and lacking transparency.

Hidden earmarks, as the name suggests, are earmarks that are not properly disclosed or are concealed within the legislation. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for the public and other legislators to know how funds are being allocated and for what purposes. By banning hidden earmarks, the House rule change sought to bring more openness and accountability to the legislative process, ensuring that all earmarks are visible and subject to scrutiny.

The House rule change banning hidden earmarks was a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in the legislative process. It demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that the allocation of funds is done in a transparent manner, allowing for greater public scrutiny and oversight. This rule change, along with the passage of H.3008, reflected Ballentine's focus on fiscal issues during his second term in office and contributed to his broader goal of improving governance and accountability.

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