Good morning. Hope you had a good weekend.
On Tuesday I chaired a House Ways and Means Property Tax Subcommittee hearing on two bills.
H.4912 would allow resident civilian Dept. of Defense employees, who receive orders for a DoD civilian permanent duty or temporary change of station for at least one year, to retain their four percent property tax assessment ratio for as long as they remain on such orders.
H.4294 would allow county councils in rural counties a one-time millage rate increase beyond the rate limitation to replace fees the counties charge to support a fire protection district.
We voted both bills out of committee favorably.
On Thursday, a bill to expand the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program passed the House.
A one-size-fits-all approach to education falls short of meeting our children's varied needs. This legislative milestone underscores our dedication to providing families with unparalleled freedom in choosing the best educational pathways for their children.
This expansion is about fostering a culture of choice, innovation, and flexibility in education. I’m committed to ensuring that every child in our state has access to an education that not only meets their academic needs but also nurtures their individual talents and aspirations.
It’s important to secure a sustainable energy future for our growing state. Next week the House will debate the Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act, which would diversify our energy sources, with an emphasis on exploring nuclear energy potential and streamline regulatory processes to facilitate the swift development of new energy projects, ensuring our infrastructure can support South Carolina's continued growth.
As the discussion around Diversity Equity and Inclusion or DEI policies unfolds in our educational institutions, the upcoming debate on H.4289 is crucial. This bill aims to ensure that our colleges and workplaces emphasize merit and individual achievement over mandatory diversity pledges and training.
As we prepare to address this legislation, I’m focused on promoting an educational environment where equality and opportunity are not just ideals, but realities for all, aligned with our highest academic standards and federal laws. This approach reinforces our commitment to a merit-based system that truly values the contributions and potential of every individual.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt