INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE

One of the most important functions of the Legislature is to write the annual budget for our State. This year’s budget prioritizes education, infrastructure, community improvements and safety.  I’m pleased to report we were able to fund this important work while also providing a tax cut.  Here are a few of the highlights…

Tax Cut and Rebate: $1 billion will provide up to an $850 rebate check that will be mailed by December and a permanent State income tax cut will be given starting next year.

Infrastructure: Nearly $1 billion to improve our roads, bridges, and highways.

Pay Increase: A 3% pay raise for all State employees.

Jobs and the Economy:  $300 million to support job creation and economic development.

Child Care:  Provides funds for the Statewide Caring for South Carolina Children initiative that allows working families in need to have access to reliable and safe childcare.

Mental Health Services:  $61 million to combat behavioral/mental health issues so that every citizen has access to these important services within driving distance of their home.

Conservation: $40 million to the Department of Natural Resources for land conservation efforts and $25 million to the Conservation Bank to protect our State’s valuable natural resources.

Law Enforcement:  Pay raises for law enforcement and correctional officers as well as funds new positions at SLED and the Department of Corrections.

EDUCATION

Teaching the next generation is a vital and challenging job.  Our educators and school system are helping shape the future and must always be a priority.  We made progress this year in helping recruit and keep the best teachers by offering more competitive pay and providing more support in the classrooms. 

We also developed programs to provide needs-based scholarships for university, college, and technical school students along with funding to stop the rapid increase of tuition rates.
A few of the key accomplishments include… 

• A $4,000 increase in starting teacher salary as well as pay raises for existing teachers.
• A 5% pay raise for school bus drivers and funds for improvements to our fleet of buses.
• $140 million in capital funding for disadvantaged school districts.
• $82 million for need-based assistance in higher education tuition.
• $39 million to expand tuition-free job training at technical colleges.
• Increases the Teacher Supply Reimbursement to $300.

SUPPORTING VETERANS

Veterans fought for us, and they deserve our respect, gratitude, and support.   We were able to fund the operating costs of State Veterans Nursing Homes and enhance the services they provide.  Also, starting this year, retired military will no longer have to pay state income tax on their retirement benefits.  This will help keep highly trained veterans in South Carolina who are still young enough to be part of the workforce.  Most importantly, it is a small way we can say THANK YOU to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting us. 

IN OUR COMMUNITY

I was able to work across party lines to get funding for important institutions in our community that will enhance the overall quality of life for us and our neighbors.  These investments will benefit the arts, education, commerce, and local service organizations. 

I helped secure funds for include the Butler Heritage Foundation, Hartsville Center Theater, and Coker College. I want to thank these organizations and their hardworking staff and volunteers for their efforts to bring much-needed services and opportunities to our area.

We were also successful in getting the needed dollars to complete the new terminal at the Hartsville Regional Airport, which will enhance our economic development and job growth. 

OTHER 2022 LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Broadband Access and Infrastructure:  We earmarked $2.4 billion in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for roads, rural infrastructure, flood resilience and broadband access.
 
Fighting Opioid Addiction:  The Opioid Recovery Act will provide funds from opioid-related legal settlements to implement strategies to address the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the State.

Early Voting:  You can now vote early up to two-weeks before election day without an excuse and qualified absentee voters can cast a ballot by mail.
 
Supporting Families:  State employees can now have six weeks of paid leave after giving birth and co-parents will have two weeks of paid leave.

A LOOK AHEAD

It is never too early to start planning for the next Legislative Session.  I will continue to fight for our top priorities of jobs, education, and safety.  I have sponsored the following measures that I hope will pass quickly during when we reconvene in January:

Gun Safety:  I have sponsored a bill to require background checks on all firearm transfers so they follow the same rules as new weapon purchases. 

Education and Infrastructure:  I am trying to pass a set of bills that would make sure all communities – even rural ones – have wireless connections in their public schools and buses along with continuing to enhance teacher compensation with bonuses and pay raises. 

Juneteenth:  It is time that we have heritage holidays that reflect the diversity of our State and an individual’s historical interests.  I have filed legislation to make Juneteenth a State holiday that can be chosen among several to celebrate based on personal preference.