Overview The House gaveled to a close this week after dozens of bills and the Sine Die Resolution passed both the House and Senate. This was the first year of a two-year session that focused primarily on transformative education reform, presenting a balanced and efficient budget, solutions for Santee Cooper, and the pro-life ‘Heartbeat’ legislation. Although regular session has ended, we will continue to work over the next few weeks in conference committees. We will return in two weeks for a special session to discuss Santee Cooper, vote on the budget, and receive any vetoes from Governor McMaster. We passed …

We tee’d off Master’s weekend and the beginning of our furlough week with a special visit from the Carolina Panthers football team. Head Coach Ron Rivera visited the State House along with players, executives and their beloved mascot, Sir Purr. The welcomed visit comes as legislation is moving through the Senate to provide professional sports teams the same incentives the state gives other companies when they bring an attractive number of employees and economic benefits to the state. The legislation has already passed the House and following approval in the Senate will have the potential to bring hundreds of millions …

Two jackpots in one week! First, the winner of the $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot from last year finally claimed their prize…which means the State of South Carolina will reap a one-time, $61 million reward.  So, when the House starts debate on the budget next week, we’ll add that amount to what we were already budgeting to provide tax relief and we’ll be able to return $96 million to taxpayers.  This will result in a one-time, $50 taxpayer rebate for every South Carolinian with an income tax liability. Second, on Wednesday night the House passed the S.C. Education, Career, Opportunity, …

Education reform was big topic Overview:Education reform was once again in the forefront this week. As always, I am grateful and pleased with all of the comments I have received from our community on fixing this issue. We are working hard on both sides of the aisle to make this comprehensive reform bill the best it can be for our students and teachers. Education Reform Meeting:Over 1,000 teachers, students and other members of the public had the opportunity to give their input on H. 3759 during the K-12 subcommittee meeting on Tuesday night. The subcommittee, and many other Representatives not …