Statement from SCMA’s Sara Hazzard on Tort Reform: “A step in the right direction”
“The legal system in our state should reflect our values – of goodness and fairness – and lay a reliable foundation for economic development.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James Richter
Phone: 803.528.1288
Email: james@myscma.com
(Columbia, SC) – As she joined Governor McMaster, legislative leadership and stakeholders for a State House news conference, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance President and CEO Sara Hazzard issued the following statement regarding tort reform:
“This is a step in the right direction in what is a critical effort for shoring up the economic future of our state: reforming the civil justice system – and joint and several liability law – to make the playing field more predictable and fairer for families, consumers and job creators alike.
“Throughout this session – including the day we stood together in this lobby with hundreds of stakeholders and employees from every corner of South Carolina – we have said:
“The legal system in our state should reflect our values – of goodness and fairness – and lay a reliable foundation for economic development.
“Throughout the session, we remained focused and consistent: Businesses exposed to excessive liability face higher costs that make it more difficult to invest in our employees, our businesses, and our communities.
“But when certainty, fairness and goodness are anchors of our civil justice system, families, businesses and communities can thrive.
“We thank Governor McMaster, members of the Senate and members of the House, especially for working hand-in-hand with manufacturers and the entire business community to pass this bill, which strengthened the law on the books and fixed Smith v Tiffany thereby honoring the deal made back in 2005.
“But I must say, our work is not finished. And we look forward to building on the momentum this bill signing – and the strength the coalition of leaders here – represents so that South Carolina can remain the economic development envy of our neighbors and of the entire country.”
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South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to strengthen and advance South Carolina manufacturing by advocating for our members, fostering a world-class workforce, and bringing together manufacturers to connect, share, and solve industry challenges. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 100,000 associates in South Carolina.
