André Bauer Blogs
February 7th, 2010
When we say “welfare,” we primarily think of the Department of Social Services’ family independence program, which in 1995 began limiting the time families could draw cash benefits and began tying that assistance to training and job searches. But welfare is not a single benefit as much as a series of uncoordinated programs offered by numerous state and federal agencies. It includes:
- Food stamps from the Department of Agriculture.
- Housing/rental assistance from the State Housing and Development Board and local housing authorities.
- Medicaid health care from the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Child care through DSS.
- Women, Infants and Children supports from the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
- Subsidized school lunches from the Department of Education.
- Earned Income Tax Credits from the IRS.
- LIHEAP energy assistance through the governor’s office and community action agencies.
- Transportation from DSS, DHHS and the Office on Aging.
Bottom line is that although welfare reform reduced “welfare” dependency, a great deal of public assistance remains diffused and masked within larger social welfare programs, as Douglas J. Besharov of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research explained in a 2006 op-ed in The New York Times.
People leave “welfare” programs such as those operated by DSS, he said, and even though they are “off” welfare, “some of these families survive only because they still receive government assistance - through food stamps (an average of more than $2,500), the Women, Infants and Children program (about $1,800 for infants and new mothers), Supplemental Security Income (an average of over $6,500), or housing aid (an average of $6,000). Their children also qualify for Medicaid. In reality, these families are still on welfare because they are still receiving benefits.”
DSS says the maximum annual cash assistance for a mother of two comes to just over $3,250. But food stamps, WIC and housing assistance alone contribute an additional $10,000 in benefits - not too far off what might be earned in a minimum-wage job.
Accordingly, as I wrote legislators recently, we do not have an accurate picture of dependency in this state: “The information needed is scattered and largely inaccessible. It’s difficult enough to grasp all the different welfare programs available, much less monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of each. Lacking is a comprehensive accounting factor that we elected officials must require in order to reconcile the public’s frustrations.”
For months, I have been trying to spark a discussion on how South Carolina will break the culture of dependency that pervades these programs. (The media finally have joined that discussion, albeit adversarially.) We are sending the absolutely wrong signal to the next generation about what is needed to get ahead in life if we don’t threaten benefits for recipients who won’t lift a finger to help themselves or their children. The flood of e-mails, calls, personal contacts, voice mails and television Web site polls tell me most people agree with me.
And even while the large majority of South Carolina’s taxpayers are in agreement with my intentions, editorials have attacked me personally, questioning my morals, intellect, leadership, historical understanding and background.
I am the product of a broken home who qualified for, but rejected, the free-lunch program. As a child, I chose to cut grass and rake leaves, dig gardens, paint and do whatever chores my neighbors would pay me to do so my sister and I could pay for our lunches. I know the meaning of sweat labor, and I have been a proud businessman since middle school. I am not a lawyer. I graduated from the University of South Carolina while running my business.
I am hearing from people who accept random drug testing as a condition for their jobs. They see no problem with having people on public assistance doing the same. Like the private sector, the first offense should mean mandatory counseling and the second one termination.
People ask me not to give up on trying to rethink a broken system.
By the way, we were warned. In his 1935 State of the Union message proposing Social Security and welfare, President Franklin D. Roosevelt cautioned: “The lessons of history, confirmed by evidence immediately before me, show conclusively that continued dependence on relief induces a spiritual and moral disintegration fundamentally destructive to the national fiber. To dole out relief in this way is to administer a narcotic, a subtle destroyer of the human spirit. It is inimical to the dictates of sound policy. It is a violation of the traditions of America.”
What are the traditions of our country? Certainly among them are ideas like jobs for people so we can restore our economy, a government that empowers individuals and strengthens our communities, and making our government work for ordinary citizens again.
Posted in Editorial | 1 Comment »
January 30th, 2010
I just spent the past few days touring South Carolina . On the first night I was there I met Lt. Governor André Bauer before he presided over Governor Mark Sanford’s final State of The State address. I am very proud to have his support of our movement and to support his campaign for Governor of The Palmetto State.
André Bauer has now come under fire by his political enemies for a recent statement he made. However has touched upon an inconvenient truth. There exists a vicious cycle of public dependency in this country. Instead of giving the poor and disabled a hand up so they can become contributing members of society with the ability to climb the ladder like everyone else, the Government is in the business of giving handouts that tie people down to the Government ball-and chain.
While I don’t live in South Carolina, the story is the same in my home state of Georgia as it is also around the country. I know this all too well because I have experienced it as a disabled citizen. I wanted to be a radio broadcaster and study it in college. The state Department of Rehab Services cited the fact that the chances of a blind person succeeding in broadcasting is low and refused to pay for training. Instead they pushed me down a path which lowered my self-esteem, lowered my standards, and lowered my desire to achieve. The result left me with a Associates Degree in General studies, on SSI Disability after I graduated, and locked down to the Government ball-and-chain because instead of giving me an incentive for bettering my situation, there is only reward for staying put where I am. I’m sick and tired of this and our organization is now striving to reverse this vicious cycle. André has hit the target. We must reverse the cycle for citizens now and generations to come. We deserve better!
We applaud Lt. Governor André Bauer for his leadership and willingness to stick his head out to bring light to the current situation and desire to change the way things are in this situation.
Posted in Endorsements | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
This past month has been dogged with the Late Night crisis between Jay Leno and Conan O’brien. But apparently, the winds from NBC blew crisis to Charleston on Thursday night. Boy, was the beginning of the Gubernatorial debate interesting.
I sat down in my lazy boy, put my popcorn in my elephant container, and began munching down to Joe Scarborough’s sarcasm. Then a bunch of screeching, scratching, hair pulling, and silence took place. Not to mention, all of Nikki Haley’s speech was silenced. The TV then went blank. I thought of a few reasons this could have happened.
1. CBS affiliate executives have cut down power to preserve it for the upcoming “winter storm disaster” that is expected to hit South Carolina with ice and snow this weekend…we all know the dangers of 1-3 inches.
2. Maria Chapur became angry that she was not invited to be Mark Sanford’s female companion at the SCGOP luncheon in Charleston on Thursday. So, she made her presence known by knocking out the sound guy and hijacking the debate.
3. President Obama’s renewed hope and change from the state of the union was just to divert our attention from the 100% regulations he would now be having over TV stations. That means no more Republican debates and especially no more long narratives from Attorney General Henry McMaster.
4. The only other reason would be that they just had poor sound quality and they didn’t have it all together at first.
So, I stuck with the fourth reason, and it came back on at 8:30. All four of them ready to lead our state into the next decade or were they? So let’s go through each candidate and analyze their performance tonight.
First, I will start from the bottom with Gresham Barrett. As a Citadel colleague, I was really disappointed in his performance. Not that I was even supporting him, but you wish each other the best. Congressman Barrett was less than confident, and sometimes seemed more like a Southern Baptist preacher rather than someone ready to lead our state…amen?
What bothered me most was the defense of his vote for Socialism in the bailout/tarp saga. He consistently defended this vote and refused to back down. I am in disbelief that anyone claiming to be “The 4th most Conservative Congressman” could stand behind a vote like this.
Many in South Carolina’s conservative circles spoke with him the night before he voted and warned him…but he apparently knew best. Barrett went on to not answer questions, beat around the bush, and really did not establish himself as a credible candidate.
He seemed just like acurrent U.S. Congressman should: Uninformed and Out of touch. I am sure that is how many South Carolinians see him as well.
Next, let’s talk about General Robert E. Lee. Excuse me, I mean Attorney General Henry McMaster. Where do I begin…. the other candidates seemed to get tickled every time McMaster would speak. This in return, made things interesting. The only statement that stands out in my mind about him is that he has “the most executive experience” out of all of the candidates. I hear him say that in the midstof his Southern charmed, rambling. While he comes across like a Southern Gentleman, not even waving but bowing at the audience, he too seemed out of touch.
While I appreciate and respect his Conservatism and think he has been one of the best AG’s in S.C. History, I do not believe he showed he could effectively win against Vince Sheheen or Jim Rex tonight.
Often, he didn’t answer the questions, he went on random tangents, and he couldn’t break out of the box and be real with the people. He seemed too much like a polished politician and not a personable statesman that the people will need to move forward with the state’s problems.
Yes, the state should be open for business, but I have a feeling General Henry may open it for business by delegating a lot of the responsibility the way he does in the AG office. While it works as Attorney General, as Governor, we have seen the Department of Commerce’s unimpressive performance. We can’t afford another four years of relying on them.
He finally went on to talk about how he did a great job as Chairman of the Party to bring Republicans to victory. While this may have been true, he failed to mention the financial mess he left when he ran for Attorney General. After his performance tonight, I know one thing…I’m not lovin’ it. So, I don’t think I can “back that Mac” because it may look good, but the intentions it has for each and every one of us may not be so beneficial.
The biggest surprise of the night was Nikki Haley. The “daughter of immigrants” was on top of her game. She did very well. However, I will bring up a few shortcomings. She should have never answered the question about censuring Lindsey Graham. She said she would have! This makes her seem like she is not a compromising figure, something our state greatly needs in the Governor’s office. This is the one thing I will agree on with Senator Robert Ford, yes a democrat.
This also shows the lack of distance between her and Mark Sanford. She continues to keep herself close to “Sanfordesque” positions such as not accepting stimulus funds. The Nikki Haley Campaign analysis is pretty simple. Let’s look at the election between McCain and Obama. People were tired of Bush and tired of anyone similar and too close to Bush. McCain was not different enough. People voted for change because they were sick and tired of the same ole, same ole.
The same principle will apply to South Carolina this election cycle. The non-Sanford candidate is going to be the only hope for Republicans. Nikki Haley is too much like Sanford and will most certainly fail come primaries as a result of it. I see her poll numbers improving a little but she will never make it to the top. However, her performance tonight should be admired. It was something to be proud of.
Finally, tonight’s winner……..Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, a true non-Sanford candidate. His confidence, clear and direct answers, and composure show his maturity from the last few years. Tonight, he was in his element and proved victorious. First, the bad. The hosts ganged up on the poor guy and pulled out all of the bad about him. They mentioned his recent “Animal-kid” comment and his driving record. Andre displayed a bit of arrogance to the female co-host when she lambasted him about the animal comment. He stated that a minority preacher asked him to speak at his congregation.
In response tothe female co-hosts continued bullying, he replied, “I’ll give you his number if you want.” Even with this comment, he showed something special…”Straight Talk.” While John McCain often said he was all about straight talk, he hardly showed it. Tonight, a new bearer of this title is Andre Bauer.
When asked which Senator shared his ideology, he quickly stated “Jim DeMint.” He had an answer for everything. They were concise and easy to understand. No elaborate stories, no monologues from “God’s and Generals,” no over-doing religiosity, but just Andre speaking his convictions.
This is the type of Governor South Carolina has been itching for. Tonight, Andre Bauer showed his seriousness about the race. For a while, I had my doubts, but tonight I know he is ready to become Governor of South Carolina. There is no doubt.
If Republicans want to win in November, there must be a lot of thought to who that candidate will be on the other side. If it is Vince Sheheen, which I feel it will be, it will be a tough fight.
All jokes aside, these four candidates are great people. They all have excellent qualities with great intentions. However, when it comes to the difficult opposition this November, in the aftermath of Mark Sanford, the field will be extremely difficult. Too tough for the likes of Nikki Haley and Gresham Barrett. I believe the Attorney General and Lt. Governor are the only two that will stand a chance. While the Attorney General showed he is a good candidate to beat Sheehen, Andre Bauer showed he is the best candidate to not only beat the democrats, but lead our state with honor, integrity, and great vision for the next decade…for this…I salute the Lieutenant Governor.
Posted in Endorsements | 1 Comment »
January 24th, 2010
Last week, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer said America is “breeding a culture of dependency,” and told an Upstate town hall meeting that we must find ways to break that cycle.
Bauer acknowledged that his intended metaphor could have been delivered more eloquently, but said his overall message remains true.
“Government has bred a culture of dependency, and there’s absolutely no one in government with the courage to stand up and say, ‘We need to break that cycle of generational poverty and dependence.’ Well, now there IS someone saying it.
I do not care about being politically correct. I care about being honest. And we honestly have a problem of dependency which is getting worse instead of better.
We are a compassionate people, and we will always take care of those who are truly needy, as we should. But there are also those who are NOT truly needy, merely lazy or greedy, who are taking advantage of the system. And, unfortunately, the system is actually designed to encourage them to take advantage of it.
Spending is out of control. When we waste tax dollars on those who are just lazy or taking advantage of the generosity of the American people, we have fewer dollars available for the truly needy or the hard working families who find themselves in hard times.
Last weekend, I went to Massachusetts to help campaign as a volunteer in that very important election for U.S. Senate. Over and over, I heard frustration from taxpayers who were angry that our nation is sliding rapidly toward socialism and away from the free enterprise system, and it was that frustration that caused the electoral upset.
The people of South Carolina are also frustrated with government. I’m frustrated. We have welfare recipients in this state who collect their checks and have no intentions of ever getting off the government gravy train. We simply cannot afford that mentality anymore. Somebody has to have the courage to speak out against it.
There are parents who are dependent upon the government for food and shelter, but who are unwilling to engage in their children’s education. This robs children of a chance to break out of poverty. Thousands and thousands of innocent young children are stuck in this cycle, and will never have a chance to break out of it… unless WE change the system.
Requiring the parents to show up at their child’s school once or twice a year is not too much to ask if they expect to keep getting their welfare payments, and it might just make the difference in the child’s future.
Back in 1996, when I first ran for office, I told voters, ‘I may not be the slickest talker, but I’ll be the hardest worker.’ That’s still true.
And next month, I expect to officially announce my candidacy for Governor, and I can tell you now I will not always be “politically correct” during my campaign… but I will always be honest.”
Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments »
January 23rd, 2010
At a forum this week, I spoke out in favor of finding ways to break the government’s cycle of handouts and dependency.
Yes, I believe government is “breeding a culture of dependency” which has grown out of control, and frankly, amounts to little more than socialism, paid for by hard-working, tax-paying families… against their wishes.
At the same time, I feel strongly that we can and should help our neighbors who are truly needy. In fact, I’ve spent much of my last seven years helping those in need… traveling the state to help provide blankets, shoes, food and health care to those who need it most.
However, there’s a big difference between being truly needy and truly lazy.
My suggestion to require parents of children who receive free lunches to attend parent-teacher conferences is simply a common-sense idea to help break the cycle of dependency, while at the same time providing a better education and a brighter future for the children affected.
Requiring drug testing for adults receiving tax-funded benefits is also just good, plain, common-sense.
Yes, I am speaking out for such requirements, even though they may be “politically incorrect” in the eyes of the news media. It’s better for the children, it’s better for the taxpayers, and, in the end, offering a hand up instead of a hand out will be better for those who have become taxpayer dependents.
Americans are a compassionate people who will always help their brothers who are truly in need. But we cannot and will not allow those who are simply “riding the system” to continue to do so without consequence.
Warren Buffet once said, “No one washes a rental car.”
He’s right. We must find ways to instill some sense of responsibility or consequence into those who are now a part of the cycle of automatic hand-outs.
Generational welfare is bad for the people on it and bad for the state of South Carolina.
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
January 22nd, 2010
SC Lt. Governor Andre Bauer released the following statement in response to Friday’s report showing South Carolina unemployment rising to 12.6 percent last month, a new record:
“With over a quarter-of-a-million South Carolinians now unemployed, it’s apparent that Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package is a failure; and in fact, the actions of Congress have probably hindered private sector recovery efforts more than they have helped.
I believe South Carolinians must take our local economic matters into our own hands, implementing policies that put people, not government, first – protecting families and small businesses, and getting back to the basic principles that made this country great.
As I saw visibly demonstrated when I visited Massachusetts last weekend: ‘We the people want our nation back!’”
Posted in Press Release | No Comments »
January 16th, 2010
The Massachusetts Special Election for United States Senate is Tuesday, and the outcome of this election will be felt across the nation for many years to come!
Let me remind you of the choices in that election:
The Democrat is an ultra-liberal who will simply rubberstamp the tax-and-spend, big-government Obama agenda.
The Republican, who has surged into a dead-heat according to the latest polls, will fight to stop it.
You know I’m planning on running for Governor later this year.
But this weekend, I am taking a break from my own campaign to travel to Massachusetts and volunteer my time for Republican Scott Brown. If he is able to pull off this stunning upset victory, he will be the single vote we need to BLOCK the socialist government health care takeover being plotted in Washington by Obama, Reid, and Pelosi.
If you are also able to make the trip, you can join me – and hundreds of others — as a grassroots volunteer: knocking on doors to remind voters to vote Tuesday.
But if you can’t make the trip to Massachusetts, you can still help between now and Tuesday in three simple ways:
1. Make a donation to Scott’s campaign. Every single dollar will help the campaign finish with a roar. https://www.icontribute.us/scottbrown/initiative/marcorubio
2. Phone calls. Brown’s campaign has a special “call from home” program to allow EVERY true-blue American to make a difference. Can you make 15 calls or more to help stop Obama, Reid, and Pelosi from forcing their brand of socialism on us against our will? http://www.volunteer-connect.com/brownma/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fBrownMA%2fHome%2fHome.aspx
3. Forward this email to at least 5 friends and ask them to do the same.
I thank you in advance for your help on this critically important matter.
Sincerely,
Lt. Governor Andre Bauer
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 31st, 2009
Hello!
I hope you are doing well, enjoying the Holiday Season, and are ready to ring in the New Year! If you don’t already have plans for tonight and would like to ring in the New Year with my family, friends, and me, please come join us at the State Museum on Gervais Street in Columbia. There will be food and a live band as we begin to remember the moments of 2009 and look forward to a prosperous 2010. The event starts at 8:00pm and the attire is business casual.
For those of you who can’t make it I wanted to share with you one of my many New Year’s resolutions - if you choose me as your next Republican candidate for Governor in the upcoming primary, I vow to make sure our principles of Hard Work, Fiscal Restraint, and Faith are represented in the Governor’s Office.
We are currently tied for the lead in the most recent poll and with your support we can make sure that our principles are embodied in every decision made in the Governor’s Office. As well all know, the holiday season can be a tough time to spare a donation, but a donation of $10, $25, or $50 can go a long way! Please visit www.AndreBauer.com and make your donation to bring our principles back to the Governor’s Office.
Happy New Year!
André
Posted in Events | No Comments »
December 23rd, 2009
Lt. Governor Bauer is tied for the lead with another GOP candidate in a recent gubernatorial poll conducted by Insider Advantage/Majority Opinion, an independent polling firm, released December 22nd. In addition the poll shows Lt. Governor Bauer beating 3 formally announced candidates
South Carolinians have recognized Lt. Governor Bauer’s hard work ethic and standing up for his beliefs more so than any other candidate in the field, we must keep moving forward to let folks know that Lt. Governor Bauer believes in South Carolina and South Carolina believes in him!
Here’s how you can help: join Team Andre by making a donation towards the hardest working candidate among a very competitive field by clicking on the contribute button in the top right corner of this page. Thanks for your support!
Team Andre
Real Clear Politics - SC Gov Poll: Tight Primary Battles
Republicans tested include: SC Atty. Gen. Henry McMaster; Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer (who was endorsed yesterday by Mike Huckabee); State Rep. Nikki Haley (who was endorsed by First Lady Jenny Sanford); U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett; and State Sen. Larry Grooms.
McMaster 22
Bauer 22
Haley 13
Barrett 9
Grooms 6
No opinion 28
The survey was taken Dec. 16 of 371 Republicans.
Posted in Polls | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2009
André Bauer for Governor
PO Box 5088
Columbia, SC 29250
Former Governor and Conservative Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee endorses Bauer for Governor
Contact: Chris LaCivita
Columbia, SC- (804) 594-3710
Former Arkansas Governor, Conservative Presidential Candidate and now the host of a nationally viewed political commentary program on FOX News, Mike Huckabee announced his support for Lt. Governor Andre Bauer as the next Governor of South Carolina.
In an email sent to tens of thousands of supporters throughout the state, Governor Huckabee said:
“In the not too distant future, you will have an opportunity to set a new direction for the State of
South Carolina. I ask you to consider my dear friend André Bauer as your next Governor.
André Bauer is a champion we can believe in. He has fought for the people of
South Carolina since the day he was elected to the House of Representatives
in 1996. As Lt. Governor, he has ruled against every single proposed tax
increase, saving the people of South Carolina $2 billion.
He also understands the basic Reagan Philosophy of the government that
governs least is the government that governs best. As a small business owner
himself, he sees everyday that too much government interference in our lives
leads to less opportunity and less individual freedom. Simply put, André is
one of the few politicians today that still signs the front of a paycheck
and doesn’t just receive one. His vigor, positive attitude and tireless work
ethic will bring jobs and prosperity to South Carolina, I am convinced of it!
Send a champion of less government, less taxes, and more individual freedoms
to the Governor’s office.”
“I am humbled and thrilled at receiving Governor Huckabee’s support,” said Lt Governor Andre Bauer. “Although I have not formally announced, my efforts to do so are greatly enhanced by having the support of such a solid, principled conservative,” continued Bauer.
“As our campaign for Governor prepares to kickoff, I will remain true to those conservative principles and South Carolina values that so often get taken for granted. It’s important that we, as elected officials, follow through on our promises…in word and deed,” concluded Bauer.
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee received over 130,000 votes in the 2008 Presidential Primary in South Carolina on January 19, finishing second to John McCain. His solid support and placement in the first-in-the-South primary launched a thrilling presidential primary contest.
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Posted in Endorsements | No Comments »
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