We have had another very active year for the SC Interior Design Coalition! Our primary focus remains to support legislation in the state of South Carolina, with a goal to create an Interior Design Practice Act which provides the appropriate level of consumer protection and public awareness, but does not place a burden on homeowners or jeopardize the success of those who currently provide design services.
In the Fall of 2008, our Coalition had another Strategic Planning session to discuss and focus our efforts. The November election resulted in our original bill sponsor losing his race, but this did not prove to knock us out of the ring. Our efforts increased and fundraising was a major task during this time of transition.
During January and February, our bill was actively being revised and re-written based on our lobbyists discussions with our opponents' concerns as well as the requests made by the State's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation following their review.
With our overall goal in mind, another Legislative Day event was held on March 24, 2009 where interior designers, design students and professors descended on the SC State House to meet with lawmakers and encourage support for Interior Design legislation. Our group was introduced and welcomed in both the House and Senate sessions that day and the magnitude of our group made a great impression! Representative Harry Cato spoke to our group prior to individual office visits and gave a very personal testimony of how he had learned of our cause and how he had come to support our efforts. Following our activites, the SCIDC hosted a CEU lunch and learn that was very informational to all participants.
On April 22, 2009, H. 3945 the "Registered Interior Designer Act" was introduced into the South Carolina House of Representatives by Rep. Joan Brady and co-sponsored by 22 others!
Our coalition continues to work hard, building a base of grassroots support and encouraging designers across the state to get involved. We have even responded to the current economic conditions and revised our membership fees.
Now, how can YOU get involved?
> JOIN our Coalition so that you will be informed of upcoming meetings and updated information. Your input is invaluable! To join, please download the Registration Form and let us know if we may communicate with you via email.
> Get INVOLVED in the Coalition by volunteering your time - the smallest effort can have the largest impact on our success!
> LEARN who your House and Senate members are from your distruct and let us know if you would be willing to talk to them on behalf of our cause.
> ASK friends and family to also learn about and join our cause.
> REGISTER to vote, if you have not already. Many legislators check this little detail before they will even consider an issue brought before them. If you have not registered to vote in South Carolina, please do it now!
TOGETHER we can pass legislation that will set a clear standard for our Interior Design profession.
