Legislative Update: Week 3, 2021

Overview of the week

This week we reconvened in Columbia after a week of virtual meetings. I am glad to report much progress was made this week for our state, from improving the expediency and transparency behind the COVID-19 vaccination process, resolving the issue of Santee Cooper, to improvements in education and teacher pay, and more. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Although South Carolina now ranks 10th in the country in vaccines administered per capita, we still can and must do better. This week, I voted in favor of a $208 million COVID-19 relief bill, appropriating $63 million to DHEC, $45 million to MUSC and $100 million to establish the COVID-19 Vaccine Reserve account to offset the costs associated with administering the vaccine. This bill directs DHEC to allocate limited vaccine supplies on a per capita basis, requiring it to take into account factors such as a region’s rural, underserved, and impoverished areas, and elderly. This passed by a vote of 116-1. Additionally, I voted in favor of another COVID-19 related bill, proposed by Representative West Cox. This was created to grant authority to administer vaccines to qualified personnel such as South Carolina-licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants, and Registered Nurses. It passed unanimously on the House floor and I am hopeful that with these two pieces of important legislation, South Carolina citizens will receive more vaccinations.

Santee Cooper 

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, the state’s largest power provider, and one of the nation’s largest public power utilities. After learning about deep corruption in the agency, my colleagues and I are ready to hold Santee Cooper accountable for their wrongdoings to taxpayers and stakeholders. Last year, we reviewed some sale and reform options for this entity, but COVID-19 brought this to a halt. On Tuesday, we revisited this through bill H. 3194, which creates a special committee to explore what the best option is for our state…and while exploring, allow Santee Cooper to begin some of their reform efforts and to provide some of the necessary oversights. After hours of dialogue and debate, I chose to support further exploration of sale and reform options. 

Education

This week, which happens to be National School Choice Week, we made incredible progress for South Carolina schools and teachers. On Wednesday I proudly supported H. 3608, a bill to appropriate $9 million in one-time, surplus funds to address some of the funding shortfalls being experienced by the State’s public charter schools due to increased enrollment in 2020-21. Additionally, I supported and helped pass legislation to address Early Literacy, Numeracy Screening Assessments, Computer Science Education, and Schools of Innovation (H.3613, H. 3612, H.3589). These bills will be back for a 3^rd reading next week before they move to the Senate. Finally, this week l voted to restore Teacher Step Increases. This unfreezes the state salary schedule and retroactively awards $50 million step increases for 2020-21 school year– a significant step in the right direction as we work to raise our teacher pay above the national average. I proudly supported this bill, and it unanimously passed in the House. 

I look forward to more productive weeks to come. As always, let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. 

Remembering Joyce Hearn

On January 20^th, we learned of the passing of Joyce Hearn. Representative Hearn represented District 76, which is part of Richland County, from 1975 to 1990. During this, she sometimes served as the only woman in the Legislature. Despite this, she led the way, introducing and sponsoring legislation focused on the rights of crime victims, reforming workers compensation and the rights of the disabled. She will be remembered as a trailblazer for Republican women in South Carolina, and women everywhere. 

COVID-19 Information and Resources:

–       South Carolina is in Phase 1A of the vaccination process.

–       As of today, over 668,450 doses have been received in South Carolina; 328,801 have been administered. 

–       Use scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to see locations accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccine. Pick a location and call the phone number listed to make an appointment. For more information, visit: https://scdhec.gov 

–       SBA loans are available to qualifying businesses and help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Visit this website for more information about how your business can qualify: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program#section-header-0 

–       For other helpful COVID-19 resources, visit the Accelerate SC website: https://accelerate.sc.gov 

In the News

–       “Education by the numbers in Columbia, South Carolina” https://colatoday.6amcity.com/education-by-the-numbers-columbia-south-carolina/

–       “SC Senate Oks initial vote to ban most abortions”  https://www.wyff4.com/article/sc-senate-adds-an-exception-for-rape-and-incest-to-fetal-heartbeat-bill/35334486#

–       “DHEC hiring positions to support COVID-19 response in South Carolina”: https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/dhec-hiring-positions-jobs-covid19-coronavirus-response-team-southcarolina/101-591db55a-38f8-476a-bf73-c1a7cfda0fa4

–       “Covid-19 vaccine update: number of doses allocated to SC remains stagnant, DHEC reports”: https://www.wspa.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-update-number-of-doses-allocated-to-sc-remains-stagnant-dhec-reports/

Other Important Links:

–       For updates from the Governor, visit: https://governor.sc.gov 

–       To track a bill, live stream session or meetings, and other information, visit the State Legislature website: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/index.php

–       To download the SC Legislature Mobile app for iOS and Android devices, search “SC Legislature” on the App Store/Google Play.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve you in Columbia. If you need help navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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