Hope you’re doing well.
Wednesday was Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day at the State House. I was glad to meet with Ruth Keilen, Patty Younts, and Dr. Jon Bowman to talk about Alzheimer’s related issues, including the important Caregiver Respite Program funded by the state.
More than 95,000 South Carolinians have this terrible disease, with nearly 216,000 family members and friends providing care for them.
Also, on Wednesday, I was privileged to meet with the Georgetown County 4H Club at the State House.
I think the 4H pledge is something we should all strive to live by: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
I welcome visits to my office in the State House and to attend House sessions and committee meetings. We’re usually in session Tuesday through Thursday. Groups are welcome. Please contact me to schedule a visit.
On Thursday, Gov. McMaster signed into law the Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act, which I strongly supported. South Carolina is now the 29th state in the country with constitutional carry. This act not only expands Second Amendment rights for law abiding citizens, it also ensures stringent penalties for those who violate the law to enhance public safety across our state.
Our resolve to empower parents with greater control over their children's education took a significant step forward with the introduction of H.5164, a bill to expand the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, which offers scholarships to eligible families to meet the education needs of their children. This bill passed favorably out of committee, and I expect it to be on the House floor in the coming weeks.
Next week promises to be pivotal as we're set to debate the state’s budget , H.5100. This comprehensive budget not only reflects our state's economic success but also reaffirms our dedication to prudent fiscal stewardship. This budget thoughtfully addresses essential areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, ensuring that our growing needs are met while maintaining our commitment to efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt