Hope you had a good weekend. Here’s an update.
On Wednesday, Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, and I had the pleasure to meet with the Leadership Georgetown County class at the State House, pictured below. Sponsored by the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, this great program focuses on leadership development and community awareness and service.
My strong support for the proposed Southern Evacuation Lifeline Highway (SELL) made the news.
I believe this vital highway project is a priority for the safety of our residents and visitors. Connecting Hwy 31 with U.S. 378, the SELL would vastly improve access across the Waccamaw River between Conway and Georgetown, providing a needed additional transportation corridor that will reduce traffic congestion and vastly expedite hurricane evacuations, particularly along the South Strand.
Click here for the news report.
I’m pleased the Army Corps of Engineers announced inclusion in their budget of an additional $4 million for badly needed Murrells Inlet dredging.
It's a win-win to use sand dredged from the navigation channel to renourish Garden City Beach.
Click here for the news report.
As a cosponsor of the “Statewide Education and Workforce Development Act,” H. 3726, I’m pleased it overwhelmingly passed the House last week on a 108 to 5 vote. The legislation makes an investment in education and workforce development that will provide the tools and resources to get people jobs, and help students, parents, and job seekers make informed career choices.
Parents and their children deserve as much choice as possible when it comes to education, regardless of their zip code or district.
On Thursday, the House passed H.3843, the Open Enrollment Bill, to allow students to attend public schools outside of their attendance zone and school district. By providing more opportunities, parents can find the best school and fit for their child’s education and ensure they are prepared for success.
The House Ways and Means Committee wrapped up our hearings and approved the preliminary 2023-24 state budget. This initial budget proposal (nearly $14 billion) is fiscally conservative and focuses on core functions of government. It will be debated this week on the House floor. I’m committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
I hope you have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt