May 13 2005

Graham Statement on BRAC

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the BRAC realignment and closure process. Among South Carolina military installations: Fort Jackson Gain Net 615 Positions Added 435 Military / 180 Civilian Marine Air Corps Station Beaufort Gain Net 12 Positions Added 12 Civilian McEntire Air National Guard Station Gain Net 426 Positions Added 418 Military / 8 Civilian Naval Weapons Stations Charleston Realigned Net 250 Positions Lost Lost: 170 Military / 149 Civilian Gained: 45 Military / 24 Civilian Shaw Air Force Base Gain 817 Positions Added Lost: 74 Military / 1 Civilian Gained: 816 Military / 76 Civilian Defense Financing and Accounting Service, Charleston Closed Net 368 Positions Lost 368 Civilian South Naval Facilities Engineering Command Closed 543 Positions Lost Lost: 6 Military / 492 Civilian / 45 Mission Contractor “Overall, South Carolina flourished during this round of BRAC because we have supportive communities and the missions being preformed at installations in our state are indispensable to the War on Terror. As this round of BRAC proves, our state represents growth potential for the Department of Defense. “While it was unfortunate that we did lose some positions, our footprint actually increased. I’m pleased with the outcome of the first step in the BRAC process. I believe this successful outcome is the direct result of collaboration between local, state, and federal officials. “I always thought we had a great story to tell and a lot to offer. Today’s round of BRAC shows the Department of Defense believes the same. We must not rest though as this is only one step in a long process. Until this is finished, we must not let our guard down.” ##### Notes on Today’s BRAC Announcement and South Carolina:
  • Charleston, which has 368 positions slated for closure at the Defense Finance Accounting Services (DFAS), joined a long list of states seeing these facilities on the DOD list. Altogether, states show 3,473 positions slated for elimination in DFAS under BRAC. Among the states losing: California with 471 positions, Florida 209, Kentucky 45, Maine 241, Maryland 53, Missouri 906, New York 290, and Ohio 1,258. Indiana appears to be the only state to buck the trend gaining 100 positions.
  • Fort Jackson in Columbia will now be the location where all Army drill sergeants will be trained.
  • Fort Jackson will also be the location where all chaplains in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force will be trained.
  • Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter will become a joint facility with the addition of an Army 3-star General and staff who will be headquartered there.
  • McEntire Air National Guard Station in Eastover will gain 9 of some of the most advanced F-16 fighters.

May 11 2005

Graham Announces $10 Million to Aid Crime Victims in South Carolina

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive two grants totaling more than $10 million to aid victims of crime throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety will receive a $5,359,000 grant to enhance victims’ services. The funds can be used to support programs such as shelters, rape crisis centers, and counseling services. The Office of Victim Assistance will receive a $4,736,000 grant to provide direct compensation to crime victims. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

May 06 2005

Graham Announces $1.2 Million for Ridge Spring

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Ridge Spring has been awarded a $484,600 grant and $791,000 loan to construct a wastewater treatment facility. The new facility will help the town meet the discharge limits established by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The grant and loan were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

May 04 2005

Graham Announces $175,000 in Grants for South Carolina Fire Departments

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $175,000 in grants to fire departments in Cordova, Greenwood, Marietta, Mullins, and Walhalla. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others,” said Graham. “They are truly some of the heroes in our midst. The programs funded by these grants will help enable firefighters to better educate and protect the public.” The funds may be used for public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement, fire inspector certification, the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection. The grants awarded include: Cordova Cordova Fire Department will receive a $30,378 grant. Greenwood Northwest Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department will receive a $12,267 grant. Marietta Slater-Marietta Fire Department will receive a $63,810 grant. Mullins Mullins Fire and Rescue will receive a $45,000 grant. Walhalla The Oconee County Fire Chiefs Association will receive a $25,900 grant. The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####

May 04 2005

Graham Statement on Healthy South Carolina Challenge

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the Healthy South Carolina Challenge. “It’s sad but true South Carolina ranks toward the top of the list when it comes to the number of individuals afflicted with chronic health problems like diabetes and strokes. For that reason, I think it’s important we all do our part in promoting healthier living in our state. I appreciate Jenny and Mark inviting me to join in this effort and look forward to working together to improve our health and well-being.” Additional information on the Challenge can be found at http://www.healthysc.gov #####

May 03 2005

Graham Announces $436,000 Grant for Sumter

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Sumter will receive a $436,261 Community Development Block Grant. The Community Development Block Grant Program develops communities and provides housing by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####

May 02 2005

Graham Announces $1.3 Million for Hemingway Infrastructure Improvements

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Hemingway will receive an $863,300 grant and a $489,000 loan for water system infrastructure improvements. The funds will be used to extend approximately 15 miles of additional service lines to serve the Brunson Crossroads area just outside of the Town of Hemingway. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

May 02 2005

Graham Announces $196,000 to Help Solve Cold Cases in Spartanburg

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Spartanburg will receive a $196,112 grant to aid in solving cold cases with DNA evidence. The Solving Cold Cases with DNA Program was established to search, evaluate, select, and conduct DNA analysis on violent crime cold cases that have the potential to be solved through DNA testing. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

Apr 29 2005

Statement from Lindsey Graham on President Bush's Call for Progressive Price Indexing in Social Security

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued the following statement on President Bush’s call for progressive price indexing of future Social Security benefits. “The President took a bold step toward restoring solvency to Social Security by embracing benefit growth reduction for upper income workers. “The most significant aspect of the decision is the President has chosen to put future benefits, for those born after 1950, on the table for restructuring – an idea rejected by some Republican plans. “With progressive-price indexing changes as part of the President’s solution, the next step is to discuss how to set up a personal account. Setting up personal accounts should be done without changing the structure or purpose of Social Security and have a minimal effect on the deficit. “I applaud my Republican colleagues for being brave in offering solutions. Now it’s time for us to embrace the President’s proposal and understanding that future benefits need to be recalculated. I also urge them to keep an open mind about personal accounts that would be paid for and progressive.” #####

Apr 28 2005

Statement from U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on President Bush's Social Security Plan

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on President Bush and Social Security. “We’re now transitioning from defining the problem to solving the problem. Hard choices await the country but working together in a bipartisan manner we can strengthen Social Security. “Strengthening Social Security is worth political sacrifice. I’m confident the American people will rise to the occasion and do their part to make sure the system is a safety net for future generations. “By embracing progressive price indexing the President has taken a major step forward in the solvency debate and provided leadership that will lead to a permanent solution for Social Security. The rescheduling of benefits through price indexing is an absolutely essential component in saving Social Security from bankruptcy. “The problems facing Social Security can and must be responsibly dealt with soon. The people who elected us to office deserve nothing less.” #####
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