I hope you had a great weekend.
I was glad to attend the celebration of the opening of the Black River State Park with (left to right) Erin Pate, Rep. Roger Kirby, and Maria Whitehead. Erin and Maria were instrumental in the park’s creation. The 9,000 acre park provides 70 miles of water trails.
After being off for a week, the House was back in session. Last week, we cut taxes, advanced public safety measures, and passed legislation to protect our communities, support families, and strengthen key South Carolina industries.
Last week, H.4216, a bill I cosponsored, was officially signed into law, delivering meaningful, immediate tax relief for hardworking South Carolina families. This legislation provides over $308 million in relief, lowers the top income tax rate from 6% to 5.21%, and puts more money back into your paycheck—where it belongs, not in the hands of Columbia bureaucrats.
On Wednesday, a bill I sponsored to help rural hospitals, H.5173, passed the House unanimously. It creates a new definition of "Rural Emergency Hospital” and provides a lifeline for our rural hospitals, allowing for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates plus an annual stipend.
The Truth in Labeling Bill that I cosponsored passed the House unanimously on Tuesday. This is a major win for our coastal communities and local shrimpers. By requiring clear country-of-origin labeling, this bill ensures consumers know exactly what they’re buying, prevents imported seafood from being passed off as local, and gives South Carolina shrimpers a fair shot to compete and thrive in their own market.
We also sent the Student Physical Privacy Act, another bill I cosponsored, to the Governor’s desk last week because every girl deserves to feel safe at school. This legislation protects privacy in restrooms and locker rooms by establishing clear, commonsense standards families across South Carolina have been asking for. This bill puts parents back in the driver’s seat and ensures our schools remain safe, respectful environments for every student.
Last but not least, the Safe School Act advanced through the House Education Committee. This bill strengthens coordination between law enforcement, schools, and state agencies to create clear, unified safety plans. Every parent should feel confident that their child is safe at school, and every teacher and staff member deserves that same peace of mind.
I’m honored that Murrells Inlet businesses are sponsoring a Scenic Cruise Fundraiser on Friday, May 1st out of Crazy Sister Marina to benefit my reelection campaign. The cruise is from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm and light refreshments will be served. Donation levels are Gold - $1,000, Silver - $500, and Bronze - $250. Donate online at this link or checks can be sent to “Hewitt for House” at Post Office Box 928, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt