Lucas Commends Supreme Court Dismissal of Abbeville II Deadlines
Judicial overreach stands in way of reform
(Columbia, SC) – House Speaker Jay Lucas (District 65-Darlington) issued the following statement today in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the deadlines and super panel proposed in September’s Abbeville II order.
“Today’s order by the Supreme Court is a victory for South Carolina students, our Constitution, and the legislative process. It proves that judicial overreach will not prevail in South Carolina. All branches of government should collectively work together within their constitutional authority, not overstep bounds in an effort to exert political clout.
“After avoidable legal proceedings that wasted valuable time and effort, it is apparent that the Supreme Court has finally agreed that their arbitrary deadlines and improper super panel stand in the way of real education reform.
“The House Education Task Force is committed to reforming our education system and has been working continuously since January on solutions that will provide every child in every part of our state access to a 21st century education. I am confident that their suggestions will exceed the Court-ordered ‘minimally adequate’ guideline. Immediately upon receiving these recommendations, the entire House will begin debate as these reforms continue through the legislative process.”