COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley is ordering state workers to answer phones with a cheery "It's a great day in South Carolina" ---- despite a sky-high unemployment rate and the fact that one-in-five residents are on Medicaid.
The Republican issued the order Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting, saying it's part of changing the state and how people feel about their government.
Haley says she wants people to feel positive and says the phrase will put workers in a better mood while reminding them they work for the public.
"As hokey as people may think it is, I'm selling South Carolina as this great new positive state that everybody needs to look at and so by saying its a great day in South Carolina, it's positive reinforcement for that employee that comes in everyday and its also reinforcement for them remembering that that person that's calling on the phone...they work for them"
No word on whether workers not using the greeting will suffer consequences.
Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian called it juvenile and in many cases inappropriate. Harpootlian says it's a great day for someone getting a government check and living in the Governor's Mansion.
Do you think the upbeat messages will accomplish Haley's goal? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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