Regardless of how many people are unemployed or lack health insurance, Republican Governor Nikki Haley believes the state government should express a rosy outlook on South Carolina. That’s why civil servants have been under orders since September to answer their phones with the greeting: “It’s a great day in South Carolina. How can I help you?”

 

Democrats have blasted the newbie governor’s proclamation, saying the greeting smacks of phoniness considering the tough times plaguing many residents.

 

In response to the mandatory phone order, two Democratic lawmakers, John Richard King and Wendell Gilliard, have introduced legislation stating Haley’s greeting can only be used if: (1) the jobless rate (currently at 9.9%) drops to 5%; (2) all South Carolinians receive health insurance; and (3) goals for education funding and rural infrastructure are met.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Bill Would Ban Haley's Cheery SC Greeting Mandate (by Meg Kinnard, Associated Press)