I hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend.
Last Tuesday, SCDOT held a public information meeting on the Hwy 17 improvement project in Litchfield between Crooked Oak Drive and Litchfield Drive. Unfortunately, the House was in session and I could not attend. I appreciate Georgetown County Council member Stella Mercado attending in my place and effectively representing her constituents. With an estimated 400 residents attending the meeting, it’s clear the project is widely opposed and as a result SCDOT will consider other options for the project.
I’m very disappointed that a Washington, DC judge has halted the upcoming recreational Red Snapper season off SC, GA, and FL.
The Exempted Fishing Permit issued by NOAA for the 60 day season is based on the fact that the landings data for the extended season is needed to better assess the status of the Red Snapper stock. All of the prior one or two days seasons were not long enough to produce any useful landings data for the Marine Recreational Information Program. Clearly, there is an abundance of large Red Snapper off SC. Let’s get this season open and get the data needed to responsibly manage this fishery.
The General Assembly has now adjourned, concluding the regular legislative session for the year. This session, we fought for freedom, families, and a more affordable South Carolina, passing major conservative legislation focused on lowering taxes, improving public safety, fixing our roads, strengthening schools, defending constitutional rights, and growing our economy.
Here’s some of the successful legislation I cosponsored:
H.4216: delivers 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 paychecks
SC Boat Tax Act: cuts property taxes on boats nearly in half, eliminates double taxation on boat motors, and simplifies the process into one easy payment.
Small Business Tax Cut Act: exempts the first $10,000 of assets from the Business Personal Property Tax, ending a tax that penalizes owners for investing in their own growth and allowing them to keep more of what they earn to reinvest, hire, and serve their communities.
Public School Truth in Grading Bill: ends “grade floors” like the ones in Greenville County that require teachers to award at least a 50 for every assignment even if the student got a zero.
The House passed a responsible, balanced budget that provides over $1 billion in tax relief.
Even after the regular legislative session officially ended, the work continued. Gov. McMaster called the General Assembly back into special session to take up congressional redistricting. After hours of debate, the House passed H.5683 early Wednesday morning at 12:30 AM by a vote of 74-36. The legislation now moves to the Senate.
Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt