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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2006
CONTACTS:
Fred Ruddock (843) 345-5926
Ed Haas (843) 327-7598

ABATE Applauds SC Lawmakers for Passage of Motorcycle Rights Bills

(Columbia) – ABATE of South Carolina applauds those SC legislators, in both the Senate and House of Representatives, that worked tirelessly to get S 772 and H 4307 passed this legislative session. S 772 was a bill that dealt with handlebar height restrictions and H 4307 corrected the property tax issue facing South Carolina motorcycle owners. Prior to H 4307 passing in the SC statehouse, motorcycles registered in South Carolina were taxed annually at a 10.5% assessment rate while other private, passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks, were taxed at a 6% assessment rate. If Governor Mark Sanford signs H 4307 into law, South Carolina motorcyclists will no longer pay higher property tax on their motorcycles than their car and truck counterparts. All will be assessed at 6% annually. It is anticipated that Governor Mark Sanford will sign H 4307 into law. The Governor signed S 772 into law a few weeks ago.

“In addition to saluting those senators and representatives that supported both of these bills, I also want to thank the ABATE of SC members who visited the statehouse to meet with key lawmakers during critical moments in the legislative process, as well as those members and supporters who took the time to write, call, and e-mail the lawmakers responsible for these legislative successes,“ says Fred Ruddock, ABATE of SC State Coordinator. “The legislators had a full plate this session with many important bills to consider. With such a workload, it is easy for some bills, even great bills, to die in committee. Our members, volunteers, and supporters steadily remained in contact with lawmakers as S 772 and H 4307 made their way through the lawmaking process. I believe it was this steadfast dedication to duty that made the difference in achieving our objectives this legislative session.”

“ABATE of SC will continue building its membership and accelerating its work as A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments because those opposed to personal responsibility and individual freedom in the name of fascist morality and authoritarian safety, are many,” concludes Ed Haas, ABATE of SC Media Coordinator.

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ABATE of South Carolina is a State Motorcyclists Rights Organization dedicated to defending the rights of all motorcyclists who choose to ride in South Carolina. ABATE of South Carolina also encourages all motorcyclists to register to vote and become active in the political process. ABATE encourages motorcyclists to voluntarily obtain motorcycle rider training. Many members of ABATE are involved in a variety of charitable organizations and take great pride in being active members of their communities. To learn more about ABATE of SC visit http://www.abatesc.com

ABATE does not advocate riding without a helmet; ABATE advocates that you have the right to decide. ABATE does not condone drinking and driving or riding. Contributions to ABATE of South Carolina, Inc., or any of its chapters are not tax deductible.