Just three weeks left in the legislative session.
This week, several key issues moved quickly in committee. The overall theme of the week was getting our state back to normal on the heels of the pandemic. In the coming weeks, we’ll be spending less time in committee and more time on the House floor, trying to pass all necessary legislation before adjournment on May 13th.
I was proud to support the COVID Liability Safe Harbor Act, which passed the House, and will soon go to the Governor’s desk. We created retroactive liability protections for health care providers and businesses that follow public health guidance in response to the COVID pandemic.
My call for more public input via in person meetings on the proposed “improvements” for the Highway 17 corridor through the Waccamaw Neck received news coverage this week. Click here for the news report.
Some of the recommendations are for additional lanes, closing median openings, eliminating left turns -- forcing U turns, new signals, lane restriping, vegetation maintenance, adaptive signal timing, and adding roundabouts at intersections on major feeder roads. These proposals, if implemented, will significantly impact area residents and businesses.
A Post & Courier editorial this week praised my efforts to pass a bill that would prohibit SCDHEC from permitting mining or landfills within two miles of a public park or public natural area. The bill is in response to constituent concerns about efforts to expand a mining operation in Awendaw near the Francis Marion National Forest and the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. From the editorial:
“H.3892 represents a positive first step toward updating South Carolina’s rules on where mining operations are allowed; at the very least, the bill should trigger a larger conversation on balancing the benefits of mining with legitimate concerns over environmental degradation and our quality of life.”
Click here for the full editorial.
40% of South Carolinians have started the COVID vaccination process. 28% are fully vaccinated. Nearly 2.7 million vaccine doses have been given to South Carolina residents to date. Click here to find a vaccination provider.
It’s an honor to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt