It was my pleasure to meet with the Leadership Georgetown County class at the State House on Wednesday. Sponsored by the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, this program develops skilled local leaders through training and hands-on experience. I appreciate their willingness to step forward as leaders to help our community.
Also, Wednesday was Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day at the State House. I was glad to meet with Taylor Wilson, state director of the Alzheimer's Association, and Patty Younts, an Alzheimer’s advocate, who lost her husband to the disease, to talk about Alzheimer’s related issues. More than 112,000 South Carolinians have this terrible disease, with nearly 219,000 family members and friends providing care for them.
Last week, the House took major steps on reducing burdensome regulations, providing relief to small businesses, and cracking down on crime.
Government overreach hurts small businesses, limits job creation, and slows down our economy. That’s why the Regulatory Freedom Act, a bill I cosponsored, overwhelmingly passed the House 108-0 on Thursday. This is a bill that puts citizens and businesses, not unelected bureaucrats, back in charge and does the following:
*Ends outdated and unnecessary regulations unless reapproved.
*Stops unelected agencies from creating new rules without legislative oversight.
*Ensures that for every new regulation, two outdated ones are repealed.
*Strengthens transparency and accountability to protect small businesses.
Skyrocketing insurance costs are crippling South Carolina’s bars, restaurants, and VFW posts. That’s why the House passed the Liquor Liability Bill 109-0 to deliver relief while maintaining accountability in alcohol service.
The bill ends the unfair “joint and several” liability exception for bars and restaurants, which has led to out-of-control lawsuits that punish responsible businesses, expands insurance options to increase competition and lower costs, and requires alcohol server training to ensure responsible service.
Smash-and-grab thefts and large-scale shoplifting rings are a serious public safety and economic issue. H.3523, a bill the House passed last month, was just passed by the Senate and sent to the Gov. McMaster for his signature. The bill makes organized retail theft a felony and gives law enforcement new tools to fight back against organized criminals.
Next week, the House will begin debating the state budget bill. I’m committed to fighting for a budget that reflects our conservative values -- one that invests in the priorities that matter like law enforcement, safer schools, better roads, and tax relief for hardworking families, while cutting wasteful spending.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt