Crossover Success – A Record of Achievement
The House of Representatives adjourned for the week after finishing a successful “crossover” period and getting important House legislation moved to the Senate. We’ve nearly completed our agenda with more than a month left in the session. We continue to wait on the Senate to act in many instances so we may give final approval on key items our state so desperately needs as we conduct the business of the people.
But this gets me back to an issue that has been on Republican Caucus agendas since we achieved the House majority in 1994. Our state has one of the longest legislative sessions in the nation, and it’s simply not necessary. As we do every session, the House approved legislation that would shorten the time legislators spend in Columbia by nearly two months, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. We saw a furious amount of work occur in the Senate this week on important issues that have been waiting for their attention, in some cases, for years. Shortening the session would force the Senate to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and get right to work.
The House has approved a retirement system reform package which begins to address the monumental task of bringing our state retirements system into solvency, passed long-needed education reform, sent the Senate a bill to protect minors who are victims of human trafficking and fought Democrats’ attempts to kill a voter identification measure aimed at increasing voter participation.
Here are a few of the items we approved this week with further explanation that you may find of interest:
The House of Representatives has a solid record of achievement through the first 14 weeks of session. The House proved this week: We’re working hard to protect the citizens of our state and give taxpayers the best value for their tax dollars.
As always, it is a privilege to serve you in the South Carolina House. If you ever need help with state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please to not hesitate to contact me.