McMaster supports Haley's stance on reorganizing DOT

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster says he supports Gov. Nikki Haley's stand on reorganizing the Department of Transportation.

McMaster was in Florence on Friday morning for an event with local seniors to discuss emergency disaster preparedness. After his presentation, McMaster spoke to the Morning News about several topics making headlines across the state including the contentious roads bill and the controversial transgender bathroom bill.

Earlier this week the House altered the Senate’s road plan – leading to a consensus among many senators and Gov. Nikki Haley that the bill will not pass its last run through Senate.

The House amendments removed the $400 million annual general fund mandate and took away the governor’s power to appoint all members of the DOT board, and instead requires House and Senate approval of board members and gives $415 million extra to the Department of Transportation.

McMaster said he supported the Senate bill and stands by Haley’s take on the debate.

“The highway department has got to be reorganized," he said. "Others have said and I agree, throwing more money their way is like pouring water into a bucket with holes in it. I support the governor and those who are proposing that.”

When asked if he would suggest the Senate vote down the bill that’s been under debate for more than two years, he said he’d have to consider the House amendments and go from there.

“I’m confident that we will get the job done and I’m encouraging everyone to get something done in a hurry,” he said.

Transgender

Earlier this month Spartanburg Republican Sen. Lee Bright introduced a bill that would require multi-stall bathrooms on public property to be designated "based on biological sex." It specifically includes student bathrooms, locker rooms and shower rooms in public schools.

If passed, the bill would also ban local governments from passing laws allowing transgender people to use the bathrooms or locker rooms of the gender with which they identify. The proposal has drawn widespread criticism and sparked protests in the capital. Haley previously called the bill unnecessary.

Though McMaster only spoke briefly on the bill and didn’t say whether he would support it, he said he takes a traditional stance on the discussion.

“That’s a very interesting debate and I guess I’m just old-fashioned,” McMaster said. “I think a men’s room and a ladies’ room ought to be sufficient enough.”

That bill is under debate in a Senate committee – where lawmakers have heard testimony from supporters and opponents throughout this week.

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 11:14 PM with the headline "McMaster supports Haley's stance on reorganizing DOT."