I wanted you to know that my first week in the state House was a great experience and productive.
A bill I cosponsored with Rep. Carl Anderson (D-Georgetown) to waive make up days for the Georgetown County School District for days missed as a result of Hurricane Matthew was put on the fast track and will likely pass the House on Tuesday – my first bill to pass.
I got to experience Gov. Haley’s last State of the State Address from the floor of the House. Her speech highlighted the many successes that were achieved during her term. My sincere thanks go to Gov. Haley for her service to South Carolina. I wish her well as Ambassador to the United Nations and look forward to working with Lt. Gov. McMaster.
House Republicans issued a Business Plan for 2017 focusing on broad job retention and growth concerns that I think hits the mark.
The plan includes:
Education Reform: Every child in South Carolina should receive a 21st Century education no matter what zip code they live in. By doing so, we ensure each child is prepared for life in the workforce.
Retirement Solvency: The state’s retirement system, which now has a $24.1 billion shortfall -- more than triple our entire annual state budget -- must be fixed.
Fixing our Roads & Bridges: A meaningful DOT reform/funding bill must be passed to address crumbling infrastructure.
Workforce Development: To combat the shortage of skilled workers, options must be developed through our high schools and technical colleges to provide the specialized training necessary for a career in technology, manufacturing, or other fields requiring analytical thinking skills.
Real Tax Reform: House Speaker Jay Lucas appointed a special committee tasked with updating our existing tax code. The result should be a flatter and fairer tax code for all taxpayers.
This Monday, January 16th I’ll be speaking to these Republican groups in Charleston and Georgetown counties and hope you can join me:
East Cooper Republican Club: 11:30 am luncheon ($22 members; $25 non-members) at the Holiday Inn, 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant
Waccamaw Neck Republican Club: 7 pm (no charge) at Applewood’s Restaurant, 14361 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island
Thanks for your support. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt