The South Carolina Senate debate over roads dominated talk this past week at the Statehouse.

State senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) filibustered a senate plan that includes raising the gas tax by 12 cents a gallon. Plus, Davis says tax cuts in the plan aren’t as large as the tax increase.

Some of those same points in the exact same bill sparked the exact same move by Davis last year.

However, last month, before this session began, Davis indicated his tone had changed, telling News13, “I think you’re going to find an entirely new dynamic when session resumes.”

Now, however, Davis’ main argument is the state should use its one-time $1.3 billion surplus to fix roads.

Not everyone agrees.

Many feel that “new” money should go to a variety of things, including roads, but also new schools, help for flood victims and/or tax relief.

As for the roads bill that Davis filibusters, Sen. Ray Cleary (R-Murrells Inlet) told News13 he supports the plan and the gas tax hike, adding “the gasoline that a person uses while they’re driving to Florida, driving to Hilton Head, going to Myrtle Beach, shouldn’t they help pay for the roads?”

If Sen. Davis continues the filibuster, there’s a decent chance the bill will die.

To read the bill, which has passed last year in the House, click here

A resolution to name the Georgetown County Courthouse after Carl Anderson, Jr., who died in action in Iraq in 2004, moved forward last week.

The resolution had already passed in the House. Last Wednesday (2/17), the Senate directed the measure to the Georgetown County delegation.

That delegation includes Senators Ronnie Sabb (D-Greeleyville) and Dr. Ray Cleary (R-Murrells Inlet) and Representatives Stephen Goldfinch (R-Murrells Inlet) and Rev. Carl Anderson (D-Georgetown).

Rep. Anderson is the father of the late Airman Anderson for whom the judicial center may be named.

A bill introduced last week in the senate would, among other things, prohibit any member of the General Assembly from being eligible for election to a judicial office.

It would also extend that to one year after they leave office and it would also prohibit a member’s spouse from seeking election to a judicial post.

Senator Greg Hembree (R-North Myrtle Beach), who is a former solicitor, is the bill’s sponsor.

The bill is now in committee.

If you’re a Clemson fan, you probably like three resolutions the senate passed this past week.

One congratulates Clemson soccer coach Mike Noonan for being the national NCAA soccer coach of the year.

Another congratulates Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney for being named the national NCAA soccer coach of the year.

The third congratulates Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson for being one of three finalists for the Heisman trophy.

Former Governor David Beasley (R-Society Hill, 1995-1999) celebrates his 59th birthday on Friday (2/26).

The state House of Representatives was off last week. It re-convenes tomorrow.