Good morning. Hope you had a good weekend.
After a week off, the House was back in session last week – a week was full of significant legislative advancements reflecting our commitment to reducing government bureaucracy, saving taxpayers money, and improving education through parental choice.
On Wednesday, I had the honor of introducing Jeff Massey, the SC Farm Bureau Farmer of the Week, from the House floor. Jeff owns Livingston’s Bulls Bay Seafood in McClellanville, a third-generation seafood business specializing in farm-raised oysters and clams, wild-caught shrimp and soft-shell crabs. He also serves on the board of the SC Shellfish Growers Association. Jeff is an outstanding representative of mariculture in our state.
The House made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our state's health services with the passage of H.4927, a bill I cosponsored that consolidates five healthcare agencies with overlapping services into one streamlined agency called the Executive Office of Health Policy. This bill will help achieve cost efficiency and enhance healthcare quality and accessibility. The new Secretary of Health and Policy, will be appointed by the Governor and serve in his cabinet.
One of the most significant achievements this year has been the successful launch of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF), a testament to our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. I was proud to have voted for and passed this bill last year and now coming full circle, this initiative offers eligible families $6,000 scholarships to tailor their children's education. With the March 15th application deadline approaching, I encourage interested families to apply by clicking here.
Last week, the House leadership joined Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver to announce a proposal for universal school choice aimed at expanding the ESTF program. This new legislation seeks to grant universal eligibility to all families by the 2026-27 school year, enhancing educational opportunities across our state.
Our South Carolina Constitution requires a balanced state budget. I believe the United States Constitution should also require Congress to pass balanced budgets after the federal government has accumulated over $34 trillion in debt.
In a decisive step towards ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term economic stability, SC House Republicans, including myself, proudly passed legislation on Thursday that advocates for a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution, addressing the critical need to rein in federal spending and combat the escalating federal debt.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt