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Judicial Reform – Upcoming Court of Appeals Ruling

This South Carolina case is extra clear

Published

9 months ago

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“Judicial Reform” … it is a hot topic buzz phrase going around and a lot of people are expecting our SC Legislature to do something about it in this upcoming 2024 legislative session that starts just seven days from today in Columbia on January 9th. We have been preaching it for years now (HERE) … even way before the founding of mySCGOP in 2021.

But we wanted to give you all a REAL LIFE and developing example of why we need judicial reform … even at the SC Court of Appeals level. This is just a preview of an expected court ruling coming any week now.

The SC Court of Appeals is in a quandary. Rule in favor of Jeff Davis and a plain language reading of the law … thus exposing the good ole boy legislators … or try to cover it up even more and expose the judicial system as doing the bidding of the good ole boy legislators. What will the Court do … especially in the midst of all this discussion on “judicial reform”?

The case also has to do with SCHOOL CHOICE (another hot topic for the 2024 legislative session – see HERE) … and it is a matter the founders here at mySCGOP are intimately involved with as our Chairman Jeff Davis filed the original case back on February 12th, 2020 in Newberry County. If the Court rules in favor of Jeff Davis, that will open up all the government and monied special interest “corruption” that has been going on in private school choice arena. Yes, it is a quandary for the Court.

Only a Declaratory Judgment: Know too this case wasn’t a real “lawsuit” seeking money damages, suing anyone personally, or anything like that. It was a simple DECLARATORY JUDGMENT case asking the court to simply interpret the law since no one could get the SC Department of Revenue (SCDOR – Hartley Powell), the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS – Mark Hammond) or the SC Attorney General’s Office (SCAG – Alan Wilson) to enforce a plain language reading of the law against their “friend” Chad Connelly and do anything to protect special needs children who were suffering.

THE LAW:

What was “the law”? Pretty simple! The SC school choice program … inappropriately named “Exceptional SC” … and nationally ranked as the worst school choice program in America … was only allowed, by law, to spend up to 2% of it’s donations on administrative overhead expenses. But Exceptional SC was spending well in excess of that 2% legal limit … not by a little bit, but by A LOT … reportedly 5 or 6 times the legal limit … and mainly to pay Chad Connelly’s $11,300 / mth “contracting fee“. Good “part-time” work while you build your other business (Faith Wins) if you can get it.

“The public charity may expend up to two percent of the fund for administration and related costs.”

S.C. Code Ann. § 12-6-3790(B)(4)

Jeff Davis had been screaming about the overspending trying to get Chad & Exceptional SC to stop the excess spending as the funds were intended for and coming out of children’s scholarship funds. But Chad and the Exceptional SC Board were having none of that … the overspending spending continued … and no one at SCDOR, SOS or the SCAG were willing to stop it either. Yep … the Good Ole Boy system … protect their “friend” Chad!!!

So, with no other options … Jeff sought help and direction from the SC Courts.

THE CASE:

Jeff Davis vs. Chad Connelly, Tom Persons & Exceptional SC (2020-CP-36-00093, Appeal 2020-001348): On January 15th, 2020, the SC Department of Revenue finally issued it’s legally required annual report on Exceptional SC. That report included the CPA financials that PROVED without any doubt what we all expected … that Exceptional SC was spending in excess of the 2% legal limit. So a few weeks later on February 12th, 2020, the Declaratory Judgement was filed.

Realize this case is unique in SC judicial history. No case like it had ever been filed. Typically when you donate to a non-profit, what ever the non-profit does with the money, the DONOR has no say. The only parties that can “sue” are the non-profit’s board members and the State Attorney General (neither of which were willing to do anything in this matter as they were Chad’s friends). That legal standard is universal. Only 2 other states have ever heard unique cases like this one … and both state’s Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the donor (in this situation, the Jeff Davis equivalent).

Basically the courts in those two other states found in these unique cases that if the non-profit formally agreed to use the donation for a specific purpose … they had do so … and the donor had a right to sue if the non-profit failed to do so and used the funds for something else.

In this South Carolina case it is extra clear. Not only did Exceptional SC say on it’s website that they would use 98% of donors money for special needs children’s scholarships … the LAW actually required it … and Exceptional SC did not do so … to the reported tune of $275,406. No small amount.

Judge Donald Hocker in Newberry (the hometown of Chad Connelly) ruled against Jeff Davis given the uniqueness of the case and Davis’ commitment to appeal to the SC Court of Appeals so we could get a formal ruling from a superior court.

It is now three and a quarter years later, and that appeal is ready and waiting for a ruling.

THE APPEAL:

The appeal itself was filed October 7th, 2020, and has gone though the entire process. It was initially scheduled for oral arguments in October 2023 … but after Mr. Davis appears before the Court of Appeals on September 12th, 2023 (where Jeff did mention the judicial reform issue on Live Court TV – HERE – and see Articles HERE & HERE)… the oral arguments in this case were CANCELLED … and the case was submitted to the Court of Appeals based solely on the written filings. Ask yourself … why would the Court of Appeals not what to hear oral arguments and ask questions on such an important and unique case?

Interesting right?

Well, it has been 3 months now and a ruling is expected any week. How will the Court of Appeals rule? Will they keep delaying? Is there any way on the planet that the SC Court of Appeals can rule that donors do not have “standing” to sue when THE LAW required a non-profit to use 98% of the donors donation for special needs children’s scholarships … and the non-profit executives used the funds to pay administrative overhead expenses and the Executive Director’s (Chad Connelly’s) $11,300 / mth “contracting fee”.

We can’t wait for a ruling!

A WIN / WIN: Stay Tuned …

We will use this article as background for when the actual ruling comes out … but no matter what happens this will be a WIN / WIN!

If the Court of Appeals rules in favor of Jeff Davis (& the children) … we get to go back to the trial court in Newberry and push for the recoupment of $275,406 for special needs children scholarships.

If the Court of Appeals rules against Jeff Davis (& the children) … we have Exhibit #1 in why South Carolina needs substantial “judicial reform” … not just the half measures legislators are talking about today.

Stay tuned …

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General

Happy Sunday – March 31st, 2024

Matthew 28:6

Published

6 months ago

on

March 31, 2024

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He was mocked, beaten, abused … he was hung on the cross. He conquered the power of sin. He defeated death! He did it for YOU and ME. He did it for the sins of this world. HE IS RISEN!

May the meaning of Easter, the risen Lord, fill your heart with love, compassion and hope.

Happy Easter! 🌿

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
Matthew 28:6

To repeat from last Sunday (HERE), today is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week … the most sacred week! Let’s use this time to reflect on the unfathomable obedience, love and compassion that we are gifted daily, by our Savior.

Happy Sunday!

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Education

RULE 6 – Congressional District Organizations

Read and Learn

Published

6 months ago

on

March 29, 2024

By

SCGOP Rules (v2022-07-30):  HERE

Yesterday we shared with you the CALL TO CONVENTION for the 7 SCGOP Congressional District Conventions coming up in April (HERE).   All America FIRST SCGOP State Delegates should REGISTER … and attend!!!  Consider it mandatory to #SaveSouthCarolina!!!  😉 

Well, guess what … there are 3 1/2 pages of “Rules” about these 7  SCGOP Congressional District Organizations … including details on the conventions.

We won’t repeat the entire Rule 6 here … it is 3 1/2 pages … but click below … read Rule 6 … and let us know if you have any questions or see anything interesting.  It is critical to know the RULES!!!

READ RULE 6:  “Congressional District Organization” – HERE

REGISTER TODAY!!!

March 28th, 2024 mySCGOP Article:  HERE

Jan 19th, 2024 mySCGOP Article:  HERE

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FITS 2024

Upcoming Congressional and State Convention

EVERYONE who is a MAGA / America FIRST state delegate or state alternate should attend

Published

6 months ago

on

March 28, 2024

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A few months ago we introduced you all to the every FOUR YEAR SCGOP Congressional & State Conventions held prior to the RNC NATIONAL CONVENTION where we will select the GOP Presidential Candidate (HERE).

With South Carolina leading the way … we know that the GOP nominee will be President TRUMP … but very few people seem to know about these upcoming Congressional Conventions or the State Convention.

South Carolina has 50 National Delegates & 50 National Alternates to send to the RNC National Convention this year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from Monday, July 15th, 2024 – Thursday, July 18th, 2024.

Well … now we know the dates and times for selecting those 50 NATIONAL DELEGATES & 50 NATIONAL ALTERNATES … and EVERYONE who is a MAGA / America FIRST state delegate or state alternate should attend!!! Your attendance is “mandatory” if for no other reason than to “learn” about the process … but to also support your America FIRST candidates for the available positions. #VoteAmericaFIRST!!!

Do you really want Nikki Haley supporters going to the RNC National Convention? Hmmm … think about it.

REGISTER TODAY

If you were a STATE DELEGATE or a STATE ALTERNATE … here is the Eventbrite link to register for your respective CONGRESSIONAL CONVENTION.

All SCGOP Congressional Conventions: HERE

1st District – Saturday, April 13th at 10AM: HERE

2nd District – Tuesday, April 23rd at 7PM: HERE

3rd District – Saturday, April 13th at 10AM: HERE

4th District – Saturday, April 20th at 9AM: HERE

5th – District – Saturday, April 13th at 10AM: HERE

6th District – Saturday, April 20th at NOON: HERE

7th District – Saturday, April 6th at 10AM: HERE

(*Verify all dates and times on SCGOP Eventbrite)

Yes you should go!!! Reunite with fellow America FIRST friends, learn the process, and support your respective America FIRST candidates.

Elections will consist of a Congressional District Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary … as well as 3 National Delegates + 3 National Alternates.

Be warned however, if you want to be a NATIONAL DELEGATE or ALTERNATE, you will have to cover your own travel and lodging cost which are estimated to be around $3,500 … so don’t run for a spot if you can’t go for the full week or would rather spend your dollars at the beach this summer.

SAVE THE DATE – Saturday May 4th

We don’t know the location or time yet … but we do know the STATE CONVENTION will be on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 … presumably somewhere central in the midlands / Columbia / Lexington area.  It will be BIG and like the state convention last May 2023 with 943 STATE DELEGATES & 943 STATE ALTERNATES eligible to attend.

At the convention we will elect the remaining 29 NATIONAL DELEGATES & 29 NATIONAL ALTERNATES.

The 2nd reason to show up for the STATE CONVENTION … we have heard that Drew McKissick and the RINO Establishment want to push through more “Rule Changes”.  They did this to slow down the America FIRST movement with their “Special Called Convention” on July 30th, 2022 … let’s see what tricks they may have in store for us this May 4th, 2024.

The RINOs don’t have the numbers now like they did in 2022 … but we have to SHOW UP!!!

#SaveTheDATE!!!

Jan 24th, 2024 mySCGOP Article:  HERE

HAVE AN OPINION?

Have an opinion? Different or in agreement? About the above or something else? If so, speak up as we want to hear from you! Send your letters to team@mySCGOP.com and we will be happy to share it with our readers. #SaveSouthCarolina!

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE

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FITS 2024

Truth Social … now Publicly Traded!

TRUMP’s personal net worth skyrocketed by $4 BILLION

Published

6 months ago

on

March 26, 2024

By

Yahoo Finance “DJT”:  HERE

Monday March 25th, 2024, will go down in history as a really, really, really GOOD DAY for President TRUMP!!!

First, a New York Appeals Court lowered the insane $454 million court bond payment to appeal the New York AG’s case to an equally insane, but manageable, $175 million bond.  That reduction as well as an extension of 10 days appears to be enough grace for President TRUMP to fulfill the obligation and preserve his properties in the State of New York.

DC_Draino (HERE) had the best meme of the day … 

DC_Draino Video:  HERE

Truth Social goes PUBLIC!!!

  • $4 BILLION!!!

But the YUGE news for President TRUMP from March 25th, 2024, is finally … TRUTH Social will be a publicly traded company … and the stock symbol … get ready for it … DJT!!! You can’t make this up either!!!

The government approval / administrative process which should have taken 3 or 4 months … took TRUTH Social nearly 2 years. No, you really can’t make this up either, and yes this is happening in America, in our Republic.

But as with most bad deed … the finalization of the technical merger to allow TRUTH Social to become a publicly traded company could not have come at a better time as he seemingly solidifies his position for the 2024 November election.

Now with public valuation data, TRUMP’s personal net worth skyrocketed by $4 BILLION sending him onto the Bloomberg 500 wealthiest list for the first time ever … and that is before the 43% stock price increase so far today on the first day of trading.

Good things happen to good people … so keep fighting folks!

Yahoo News Article:  HERE

Yahoo Finance “DJT”:  HERE

HAVE AN OPINION?

Have an opinion? Different or in agreement? About the above or something else? If so, speak up as we want to hear from you! Send your letters to team@mySCGOP.com and we will be happy to share it with our readers. #SaveSouthCarolina!

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE

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General

Happy Sunday – March 24th, 2024

Philippians 2:8

Published

6 months ago

on

March 24, 2024

By

Today is Palm Sunday (HERE), the start of Holy Week … the most sacred week! Let’s use this time to reflect on the unfathomable obedience, love and compassion that we are gifted daily, by our Savior. The triumph over sin, sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, faith, are few more things to reflect on during this special time …

Let us know what do you do to celebrate the Holy Week!

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:8

To repeat from last Sunday (HERE), God’s plans for his children unfold in the simplest ways of our daily lives. How often do you question God’s purpose … his plan … and simply ask, why God? 

Happy Sunday!

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FITS 2024

Candidate Filings

SEI & Campaign Finance Disclosures

Published

6 months ago

on

March 22, 2024

By

SC Ethics Commission – SEI: HERE

This week we have learned how to “track” candidates (HERE) and how much it costs to file to run for office (HERE)! Today, let’s review the Candidate Filings.

Statement of Economic Interests (SEI)

The general idea of the Statement of Economic Interests is as stated, to disclose the candidate’s or elected official’s “economic” or financial interest. Read more about it HERE and in the mySCGOP article below … and have fun looking up the SEI of your favorite politicians!

Candidates Part I – Statement of Economic Interests (SEI)

Campaign Finance Disclosures
Campaign Finance Disclosures (initial, quarterly, pre-election & final) are for reporting the donations and expenditures of candidate’s campaign account. Remember – if you intend to spend any money on your campaign, you will need to open a separate campaign bank account – you cannot use your personal one!

As with any filing, there are deadlines on the Campaign Finance Disclosures that is YOUR responsibility to follow. For State and Local 

candidate campaign filings you would go to https://ethics.sc.gov/  to file while for Federal positions (US House & Senate), you would got to https://www.fec.gov/.
For more details click HERE or the mySCGOP article below.

Candidates Part II – Campaign Finance Disclosures

mySCGOP Article:  HERE

mySCGOP Article:  HERE

Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by hitting REPLY or emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.

HAVE AN OPINION?

Have an opinion? Different or in agreement? About the above or something else? If so, speak up as we want to hear from you! Send your letters to team@mySCGOP.com and we will be happy to share it with our readers. #SaveSouthCarolina!

SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:

Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE

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