Sine Die Legislative Update

This week was a big win for South Carolina taxpayers and businesses as we worked diligently to continue reopening our state. The House was back in session to vote on a continuing resolution that ensures government will continue to function at current budget levels when the new fiscal year begins on July 1st. We have worked hard over the past few weeks with the Senate to come up with a resolution that fully funds state government until we know the fiscal impact Covid-19 has on our economy. I was proud to vote for the continuing resolution that protects taxpayers and includes measures to provide more testing and solutions to containing Covid-19. We also addressed Santee Cooper and included language allowing us to revisit the sell or reform of the utility next year when we have time to focus on the issue. 

We also passed legislation to allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee ballots in the June 9 primaries and runoffs. To avoid crowded polling places, this allows any qualified SC voter to vote absentee either by mail or in person at county election offices. The state typically requires that absentee voters meet certain requirements such as being 65 or older, having a disability or caring for someone who is ill. Now, any SC voter can select another reason, State of Emergency, on the absentee application. For more information on how to vote absentee please visit, www.scvotes.org.

Although this session did not turn out as planned, I am excited to return in September to vote on a new state budget and additional legislation that passed in either the House or the Senate earlier this session.

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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