IRMO (WACH, AP) – Similar to parent-teacher conferences for students in school, Governor Nikki Haley met with a small group of voters in the Midlands on how she feels lawmakers did during her first nine months in office.
Earlier this year, Haley announced plans to grade lawmakers based on how well they supported her agenda. She says the process is a way to make lawmakers accountable.
“It is good to see her opinion,” said Irmo resident David Gray.
Lawmakers were judged on several different categories, including requiring on-the-record voting, a new cabinet-level agency to oversee the state's bureaucracy and spending caps. Most Democrats scored D's and F's. The majority of Republican legislators received A’s and B’s.
Some lawmakers have said the report cards are a political move that doesn't mean anything.
Grades were based on how legislators handled her priorities. Those who supported her initiatives tended to receive higher marks.
“I think it is okay to let people know what you think of them,” adds Chapin resident Mike Irons.
After reviewing the grades, the governor outlined her goals for the next year. Job creation and tax reform topped Haley’s to-do list.
“I think she has done a fairly decent job, but she definitely does have room for improvement,” says Lexington High School student Jacob Price.
Lawmakers who are not satisfied with their grades can keep trying. According to Haley, they will be evaluated again on how they vote on her upcoming proposals.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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