This week, the House of Representatives took up the 2021-2022 state budget. I’m happy to report that this may be the most conservative budget yet.
In short, this budget funds only necessary government services while recognizing that we are still in uncertain pandemic conditions. Although we expect state revenue to go up (as COVID-19 cases continue to fall), we cannot bank on that quite yet… and as such, we must be prepared by being conservative with our state’s resources.
After hours of debate and casting 220 votes, the House passed a balanced budget that prioritizes a renewed dedication to improving education, funding resources for law enforcement, and expanding broadband internet access.
The House will not meet next week. This gives us a week off - time to be back in our districts, regroup and refocus after an intense 11 weeks of session. By furloughing next week, we’ll save taxpayers over $50,000.
This Monday, March 29th at 2 pm the Georgetown County Legislative Delegation (comprised of Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, Sen. Ronnie Sabb, Rep. Carl Anderson and myself) will meet to discuss appointments to various county boards and commissions, such as the Board of Elections, Transportation Committee, Water and Sewer District Board, and Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District Board. The meeting is at the Goldfinch Winslow Law Firm, 1119 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island. The public is welcome to attend.
There will be an important virtual public meeting this Thursday, April 1st at 6 pm to present the findings of the Draft US 17 Corridor Study in Georgetown County and receive comments. The project study area covers the Waccamaw Neck area of Georgetown County from the Waccamaw River bridge to the Horry County line. Among other recommendations, this Grand Strand Area Transportation Study project is recommending widening Highway 17 to six lanes from Bellamy Avenue in Murrells Inlet north to Myrtle Beach.
Click here for the link to the Zoom meeting.
Click here for the corridor study and supporting materials.
Comments can also be sent to: [email protected]
This Wednesday, March 31st, all South Carolinians aged 16 and up are eligible for COVID vaccinations. Click here to find a vaccination provider.
26.4% of South Carolina citizens have started the vaccination process. 14.2% are fully vaccinated. 1,629,77 vaccines have been given to South Carolina residents.
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