June 9, 2025

Kelly Hammerle
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD)
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166-9216

Dear Ms. Hammerle,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to including the South Atlantic zone in the 2025 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

I represent South Carolina House District 108, which is a coastal district along Georgetown and Charleston counties. I’ve heard loud and clear from constituents that they do not want oil and gas drilling off the South Carolina coast because of the very real threat of a drilling disaster and the resulting severe environmental and economic harm it would bring to our area.

All of the municipalities in the district – Pawleys Island, McClellanville, Awendaw and Mt. Pleasant – plus Georgetown County, have passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas drilling. State and local leaders have come out against offshore drilling, including Governor Henry McMaster.

It’s clear the coastal areas of South Carolina are very concerned about the impacts of oil spills on the beaches, marine life and the tourism industry, and understandably have taken strong positions opposing drilling. There is no way offshore oil and gas drilling can be conducted that will guarantee no oil spills and no resulting environmental and economic disasters.

The district I represent has beautiful beaches, bays, and estuaries that attract tourism and are also ecologically important. They provide vital habitat for marine life and birds, particularly for juvenile offshore fish that are vital to our commercial and recreational fisheries.

Annually, in ports adjacent to and in the district, commercial fishermen land nearly 1 million pounds of snapper-grouper species. Our state has a $6 billion fishing industry that employs 80,000 people. Our commercial and recreational fishing industries cannot afford an oil spill disaster.

With tourism producing nearly $20 billion and providing one in ten South Carolinians with jobs, we cannot afford to risk harming such a major facet of our economy by playing Russian roulette with oil rigs off our coast. Sooner or later there will be a bullet in the chamber in the form of a major oil spill disaster.

There is simply no place along our coast where drilling makes sense. The short-term monetary benefit is not worth the long-term risks that our communities face.

Sincerely,

Representative Lee Hewitt

On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20-21, the budget conference committee I serve on met to work out the budget bill differences with the Senate. I was honored to be one of the three House members Speaker Murrell Smith appointed to the committee.

The conference committee agreed on a balanced, fiscally conservative state budget that passed the House last Wednesday on an 88-25 vote.

The budget delivers over $1 billion in tax relief, invests in the priorities that matter most, and keeps government accountable to the people who fund it.

While Washington continues to spend recklessly and stumble into shutdowns, we do things differently in South Carolina. We balance our budget every year. We don’t spend money we don’t have. And we put taxpayers first, not bureaucrats or special interests.

This year’s budget proves that commitment. It’s a responsible, conservative plan that:

Delivers Tax Relief: Over $1 billion in direct tax relief, including $290 million in new income tax cuts and $814 million through the Tax Relief Trust Fund to offset property taxes.

Strengthens Education: A $1,500 raise for every public school teacher, raising starting pay to $48,500, now higher than Georgia and North Carolina. We’re expanding summer reading camps, increasing 4K funding, and investing $75 million in high-quality instructional materials. Tuition remains frozen for in-state students.

Supports Law Enforcement: We’re fully funding a School Resource Officer in every public school, increasing pay across law enforcement agencies, and investing in criminal justice initiatives.

Invests in Infrastructure: $200 million for bridge repair, the second installment of our $1 billion commitment. We’re also investing in road safety, hurricane recovery, commercial airports, and water/sewer infrastructure to support our growing population.

Prepares for the Future: We’re replenishing the Disaster Relief and Resilience Reserve Fund, investing in healthcare innovation and mental health treatment, funding cybersecurity and artificial intelligence upgrades across state agencies, and strengthening our military communities and retirement systems.

I’m proud to support this budget and the benefits it brings to South Carolina families. From tax relief to public safety, from school funding to economic development, we’re keeping our promises and building a stronger future for our state.

Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

As the gavel fell at 5 pm last Thursday, the House officially adjourned, bringing the first year of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session to a close.

Although the regular session has now adjourned, the House is expected to reconvene later this month for one final day to finalize the state budget.

I’m honored to be appointed by House Speaker Murrell Smith as one of the three budget conference committee members to work out the budget bill differences with the Senate.

This week was a final sprint to the finish to advance several key priorities.

As a cosponsor, I was glad to see H.4216, a strong, conservative plan to cut income taxes, pass the House on Wednesday.

This bill puts us on the path to eliminate the state income tax altogether without raising property or sales taxes and devotes more than $400 million in year one to immediate tax relief. It lowers the top marginal rate from 6.2% to 5.39%, with a roadmap to reduce that to 1.99% over five years and ultimately eliminate it entirely.

Small businesses across South Carolina, especially bars, restaurants, and VFW posts, have faced unsustainable insurance premiums and the looming threat of massive jury verdicts. I was proud to cosponsor H.3430, a landmark liquor liability bill that will bring real reform and help protect our hospitality industry. The bill was passed by the House on Tuesday and the Senate on Wednesday. It now heads to the Gov. McMaster to be signed into law.

The South Carolina Energy Security Act, another bill I cosponsored, passed the Senate on Wednesday and has been sent to the Governor for his signature. It lays the foundation for a stronger, more reliable energy future, ensuring smarter oversight of utilities, encouraging investment in nuclear and renewable energy, and expands transmission and storage
capacity.

I proudly voted for S.156, critical legislation, which creates the offense of fentanyl-induced homicide, making it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone’s death. The fentanyl crisis is devastating families across our state. This bill ensures justice for victims and holds drug dealers accountable for the lives they destroy.

I voted in favor of the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which updates our distracted driving statute by increasing penalties for repeat offenders. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable accidents. This bill helps save lives while respecting individual rights.

I’m proud to report we made major strides on every single one of our Pillars for Progress this session.

I’ll be sure to provide an update on the budget bill once the conference committee’s work is complete.

I’m honored to represent District 108. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

Here’s my legislative report.

Wednesday was Miss South Carolina Day at the State House. I was glad to meet with Miss Murrells Inlet, Gracie Hicks. She will be competing in the Miss South Carolina pageant on June 28th. I wish her the best.

With just one week left in the legislative session, we’re moving quickly to advance key priorities before the House adjourns this Thursday.

Last week, I worked alongside my House Republican Caucus colleagues to take meaningful steps forward on major issues — including income tax reform, expanding education opportunity, and securing South Carolina’s energy future.

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a historic income tax reform plan last week. Right now, South Carolina’s 6.2 percent income tax rate is the highest in the Southeast. The new proposal, H.4216, which I cosponsored, takes a bold step forward by cutting that rate to 5.39 percent, immediately giving families, small businesses, and workers more room to grow and succeed. Importantly, this plan doesn’t shift the burden to other taxes. It’s real relief achieved by cutting spending and returning over $400 million to hardworking taxpayers in year one.

But this isn’t just about short-term relief. The plan sets South Carolina on a responsible path toward a flat 1.99 percent rate, and eventually eliminates the income tax altogether. It also ends our dependence on Washington’s liberal tax mandates by decoupling our code from federal policy, restoring control to South Carolina taxpayers.

As our economy continues to grow, so must our energy infrastructure. That’s why I cosponsored the South Carolina Energy Security Act, which returned to the Senate last week after receiving House amendments. This legislation lays the foundation for a more reliable, affordable, and independent energy system.

It reforms the Public Service Commission to increase transparency and oversight of utility companies and encourages long-term investment in energy generation, including nuclear and renewables, to meet the demands of our booming economy and growing population. I anticipate the Senate will get this bill across the finish line before we adjourn this week and I expect Gov. McMaster will sign it into law.

One of my top priorities this session has been expanding educational opportunities and giving parents more control over their children’s future. Last week, I was proud to support S.62, a major school choice bill that the House sent to the Governor’s desk.

This bill enhances South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund program, allowing up to 15,000 K-12 students from low income families to receive $7,500 scholarships next year for private school tuition, tutoring, transportation, or other approved education services. This is about giving every child a chance to succeed — no matter their ZIP code or income level.

Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

I hope you had a great weekend. Here’s my legislative report.

Recently, the SC Pharmacy Association had their legislative day at the State House. I was privileged to introduce the group from the House podium. It was also a privilege for Rep. Val Guest, R-Horry, and I to meet with long-time Murrells Inlet pharmacist Willie Lee. I appreciate Willie’s community leadership.

The Post & Courier published my op-ed advocating a new vision for Georgetown's waterfront – one that doesn’t include smokestacks. From the op-ed:

“The recent discussions about the future of the closed International Paper mill and the nearby Liberty Steel site open the door to a bold new vision for Georgetown’s waterfront — one that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility and community well-being.

...Georgetown is blessed with a beautiful waterfront that holds tremendous potential for more than just industrial development. We are positioned to become a hub for ecotourism and smart growth, where families can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, recreational opportunities and local businesses flourish.

...Let’s come together to advocate for a waterfront that reflects our values — one where new ideas and community guide our path forward.”

There are just two weeks left in this year’s legislative session. After a short break for Easter, we returned to the State House last week focused and ready to get to work.

From protecting religious freedom in our schools to defending First Amendment rights and ensuring fairness in high school athletics, the House Republican Caucus is putting our Pillars of Progress into action.

In today’s world, exercising your right to speak up can come with a cost—especially when powerful interests use frivolous lawsuits to intimidate citizens and silence opinions. That’s why I support the SC Public Expression Protection Act, a bill that shields individuals from legal harassment for speaking out on matters of public concern. Whether you’re speaking at a public hearing, writing an op-ed, or posting online about government actions, this bill ensures you can’t be dragged into court simply for using your voice. The bill received a favorable report from the Senate Judiciary Committee last week.

Our children should never have to hide their faith at school—and this bill makes sure they won’t have to. The updated Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act, reported favorably by the House Education and Public Works Committee last week, ensures students can voluntarily express their religious beliefs in classwork, school speeches, and events, just like any other viewpoint.

Students in home schools, charter schools, and Governor’s Schools deserve equal access to extracurriculars, career training, and interscholastic competitions. The Participation in Interscholastic Activities bill makes that possible—ensuring that every student gets the chance to grow, compete, and participate. The bill was reported favorably out of subcommittee last week.

I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

By Lee Hewitt
POST & COURIER
April 14, 2025

As the state representative whose district encompasses Georgetown, I have always believed that our communities deserve a future defined not just by what has come before, but by what we can create together. The recent discussions about the future of the closed International Paper mill and the nearby Liberty Steel site open the door to a bold new vision for Georgetown’s waterfront — one that balances economic growth, environmental responsibility and community well-being.

The proposed biomass power plant at the International Paper site undoubtedly sparks a conversation about our economic landscape. While many may see potential in a biomass facility to replace some lost jobs and generate economic activity, I urge us to pause and consider the broader implications for Georgetown. The allure of another heavy industrial plant must not cloud our judgment about the kind of community we have the opportunity to create in the wake of the paper plant’s closure.

Georgetown is blessed with a beautiful waterfront that holds tremendous potential for more than just industrial development. We are positioned to become a hub for ecotourism and smart growth, where families can enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, recreational opportunities and local businesses flourish. This vision invites us to redefine our relationship with the waterfront — not as a site only for heavy industry, but as a destination marked by opportunities for sportsmen, shoppers, diners and those who need access to affordable housing to remain in our community.

There is an opportunity here — one that includes stakeholders who are not only focused on short-term gains but want to create sustainable economic development, keep blue-collar jobs in Georgetown, and be responsible stewards of our environment. As we consider the future of the International Paper site, we must engage with local leaders, the families impacted by the mill’s closure, and residents across Georgetown to explore other visions for development, including innovative economic solutions that prioritize the preservation of our coastal environment.

Furthermore, our focus should also extend to the Liberty Steel property. The potential for waterfront redevelopment here is immense, and we should envision a blend of residential, commercial and recreational spaces that celebrate our unique history and natural resources. Our waterfront should become not just a place of work, but a gathering space that strengthens our community bonds and attracts visitors, thus enhancing our local economy.

We have a choice to make — one that will shape the future of Georgetown for generations to come. This is not just about land use; it about the type of community we want for our children and their children. I invite you to participate in this important discussion as we work together to create a Georgetown that honors its past and creates a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future.

Let’s come together to advocate for a waterfront that reflects our values — one where new ideas and community guide our path forward. The choices we make now will not only define the horizon of our local economy but will also create the landscape of our community’s heart and soul.

Lee Hewitt represents S.C. House District 108, encompassing Georgetown and Charleston counties.

Click here for the op-ed.

I hope you’re doing well.

Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, and I were glad to meet with members of the Georgetown County School Board at the State House last week. Education is so important to the future of our county and state.

Left to right: Eileen Johnson, Randy Walker, Fallon Bordner, Rep. Carl Anderson, Kathy Anderson and myself.

With just four weeks left in this year’s legislative session, I continued working to advance the conservative, common-sense policies our communities expect.

When someone dies and owns a home taxed at the four percent assessment rate, it’s not fair for counties to change the rate to six percent even before an estate is closed. That’s why I sponsored H.3841, which passed the House 107-0 last week. The bill requires the special assessment rate and any tax exemptions to continue until the decedent's estate is closed, the recording of a deed or deed of distribution out of the estate, or after December 31st of the year following the date of death, whichever occurs first.

We also passed major public safety reforms to protect families, support victims, and crack down on violent crime.

Fentanyl continues to tear apart families in our state. That’s why I proudly voted for a bill, S.156, that makes it a felony — punishable by up to 30 years — for anyone who unlawfully provides fentanyl that results in someone’s death.

Organized retail theft is a growing threat in South Carolina. It puts store employees at risk, hurts small businesses, and drives up prices for everyone. I voted for — and the Governor signed — a new law, H.3523, that increases penalties for these crimes and targets the criminals organizing them.

Victims of domestic violence shouldn’t be trapped in a lease with their abuser. That’s why I supported legislation, H.3569, that gives victims the right to end their lease early — without penalty — if the abuser is a co-tenant. It’s a small but powerful change that will help people escape dangerous situations and start over safely.

Running from law enforcement isn’t just reckless — it’s dangerous. I voted for a bill, H.3127, that makes fleeing from police a felony when the driver engages in dangerous behavior during the chase.

Distracted driving is a deadly problem, and I was proud to vote for the South Carolina Hands-Free Act. This bill bans the use of handheld devices while driving — with limited exceptions — and creates penalties to hold distracted drivers accountable.

This week the House is on furlough for Easter.

I hope this report is helpful. Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

I hope you had a great weekend.

I was privileged to meet with the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors’ Leadership Class at the State House. I appreciate their efforts to learn about the legislative process and state government.

Last week, I continued delivering on our House Republican Caucus’ Pillars for Progress -- supporting legislation that defends merit-based opportunity, expands career-ready education, and protects children and families from emerging threats.

As part of our commitment to remove harmful DEI programs from our educational institutions and state government, I cosponsored and voted to pass the Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act.

This landmark legislation makes South Carolina the first state in the country to turn President Trump’s executive order on DEI into law—eliminating race- and gender-based preferences and restoring a fair, merit-driven system.

This bill is a critical step toward restoring fairness, ending illegal discrimination, and ensuring your tax dollars aren’t spent promoting divisive ideology.

Fulfilling our goal to expand educational opportunities and enhance outcomes, I strongly support two forward-thinking bills that cleared the House Education and Public Works Committee this week and will soon be headed to the House floor.

The South Carolina Computer Science Education Initiative Act, will ensure that by the 2026–2027 school year, every public high school offers at least one rigorous, career-relevant computer science course. The bill also lays the groundwork for career pathways in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, information systems, and software development—starting as early as elementary school.

The South Carolina STEM Opportunity Act, creates a statewide STEM coalition to align education and workforce development, particularly in underserved areas. It promotes hands-on learning, strengthens teacher training, and builds pipelines for South Carolina students to enter high-paying careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

As part of our commitment to prioritize public safety and protect children from “deepfake” digital exploitation, on Wednesday the House passed H.3045. This legislation creates felony-level penalties for the production or possession of digitally manipulated child sexual abuse material—even if the child depicted does not actually exist. It also adds the offense to the sex offender registry and establishes a clear legal framework for prosecuting these heinous acts.

Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

Last Wednesday was Firefighter's Day in the House of Representatives. I was privileged to meet with Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District Capt. Brad Bemis and EMS Operations Director David Elliott. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our first responders.

Left to right: Rep. Val Guest, R-Horry, Capt. Brad Bemis, myself, Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford, R-Horry, and David Elliott.

Appropriately, on Firefighter’s Day, H.3163, a bill that expands workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters was advanced by the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. It ensures that if a firefighter suffers a stroke while actively fighting a fire, responding to a rescue, or participating in strenuous training, that condition is presumed to be job-related. It’s a simple way to honor and support those who serve our communities so bravely.

Last week, I joined my House Republican Caucus colleagues in announcing a historic tax reform plan that will cut taxes, simplify the system, and make South Carolina the most competitive state in the nation when it comes to personal income tax.

H.4216, is a newly introduced tax reform bill that I cosponsored, which would deliver the most significant income tax cut in South Carolina history. Right now, South Carolina has the highest personal income tax rate in the Southeast—but this bill will change that. Here’s how:

*Lowers the top income tax rate from 6.2% to a simple, flat 3.99%
*Makes South Carolina more competitive than North Carolina (4.25%) and Georgia (5.39%)
*Includes a path to further reduce the rate to 2.49% as economic benchmarks are met—giving South Carolina the lowest rate in the nation
*Keeps key exemptions in place (no taxes on groceries or medicine)
*Does not raise sales or property taxes to make up the difference
*Moves us off the federal tax base so Washington no longer controls our tax code

This plan is about returning more of your hard-earned money to your family, strengthening our economy, and putting South Carolina—not Washington—in charge of our future.

The fentanyl crisis is ravaging communities across our state. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to S.156, the Drug-Induced Homicide Bill. This legislation would make it a felony—punishable by up to 30 years in prison—for anyone who unlawfully provides fentanyl that results in an overdose death. It also ensures that a victim’s personal drug use does not shield a dealer from prosecution. I will proudly vote for this bill when it reaches the House floor in the coming weeks.

I’m honored to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you had a great weekend.

It was a pleasure to meet with members of the state branch of Coaches vs. Overdoses at the State House.

The Coaches vs. Overdoses program is a national campaign to provide coaches, parents, student-athletes, and communities with resources to tackle fentanyl and defeat overdoses. Founded in 2022 with the help of NFL Hall of Famer Randy White, who lost his son-in-law to an overdose, the program is designed to reduce overdoses through prevention awareness education and empowerment. I greatly appreciate their efforts.

Last week was budget week in the House. After casting 236 votes on various amendments, I proudly stood with House Republican Caucus members to pass a balanced, fiscally conservative budget -- one that cuts taxes, eliminates waste, and invests in the priorities that matter most to South Carolina families.

While Washington, D.C. continues to spend recklessly, we do things differently in South Carolina.

We don’t spend money we don’t have, and we prioritize the taxpayers who fund this government -- not bureaucrats and special interests.

The 2025-2026 budget is proof of that commitment. It’s a responsible plan that:

Cuts taxes: $1 billion in direct tax relief, including $800 million in property tax relief and $200 million in income tax cuts.

Invests in education: raises teacher pay, keeps college tuition low, and expands school safety.

Improves infrastructure: $200 million for roads and bridges, $20 million for water and sewer improvements.

Strengthens public safety: supports law enforcement and ensures our communities are safe.

Prepares for the future: invests in workforce development and keeping spending in check.

Our state is booming because of conservative leadership and responsible budgeting -- and we’re committed to keeping it that way. I’m proud to stand behind this budget and the real, tangible benefits it delivers.

In an effort to save taxpayers’ money, the House is on furlough this week. We’ll go back into session on March 25th.

Have a good week. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Rep. Lee Hewitt

Please click here to donate to my reelection campaign.