2021 Statehouse Report # 14
Back to School
On Wednesday, the House passed a joint resolution that requires all school districts in South Carolina to give an option for 5 days a week, in-person learning by April 26th. Providing an in-person option allows parents to decide what learning format is the best fit for their student. Additionally, this bill suspends the earning limitation for retired teachers. This ensures that retired teachers can come back to school and teach without fear of too little compensation during these unique times.
Teaching the Constitution
Ensuring that our children are educated about our Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, and other important American documents is the first step in shaping civically responsible citizens. S. 38 provides that students in public high schools in South Carolina, and in some cases, undergraduate students, to study these constitutional documents as a requirement for graduation. I voted in favor of this bill on Thursday, which then passed the House.
Revitalizing South Carolina
“The South Carolina Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act” qualifies taxpayers who make certain investments into rehabilitating and revitalizing abandoned property in the state to receive tax credits. This bill is a great incentive for people to bring life to abandoned and run-down areas of our State. This act was set to expire, but we voted unanimously to renew it on Wednesday.
Law Enforcement
H. 3939 received a favorable vote in a Judiciary Subcommittee meeting on Thursday morning. This bill extends workers compensation for law enforcement officers in deadly-force situations to PTSD, or other injury caused by stress or mental illness. It is important and necessary that we provide officers with these lifesaving resources, so they can safely and healthily serve our communities.
Protecting SC Seniors
H. 3180, also known as the Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment Registry Act, passed out of a Judiciary Subcommittee on Thursday morning. This act aims to protect our most vulnerable, elderly populations from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This bill would create a registry for these populations, creating further protections for them in places like nursing homes.
Election Reform
Reforming our elections to ensure they are free and fair is always a priority, as is making sure that voting is accessible to as many Americans as possible. In a Judiciary Subcommittee meeting Thursday morning, Rep. West Cox introduced a bill that ensures that any Special Purpose Tax District Referendums be voted on during General Elections rather than Special Elections. With voter turnout being historically higher for General Elections in comparison to Special Elections (sometimes by 70% or more) this simply increases the amount of voter participation when dealing with these issues.
I'm at your service!
It is my honor to be of service to you and to serve District 39. If you need assistance navigating through the flow of information on COVID-19, navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me.