I wanted you to know it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to South Carolina’s invaluable educators. Not only do they teach, but many serve as great role models for our children. Thank you for all that you do!
With just one week left in the legislative session, the House wasted no time this week, taking up some of our state’s most pressing issues, such as Santee Cooper, the death penalty, and bringing new business to South Carolina.
Under current law, those convicted of a heinous crime and sentenced to death are likely to spend the rest of their life waiting on death row due to the lack of availability of lethal injection drugs. On Wednesday, the House passed a bill that allows electrocution or a firing squad when lethal injection is not available as we work to find the most humane and quick way to serve justice.
The issue of reforming Santee Cooper has been ongoing for years, and this week, the House passed amendments to a bill that outlines reform, governance, and a sale process. This bill prescribes a process for how the agency should operate, allowing for oversight from the government and transparency for ratepayers. The bill will now go to a conference committee to find compromise on the issue between the House and Senate.
In order to address ongoing workforce shortages throughout the state, Thursday Gov. McMaster directed the Department of Employment and Workforce discontinue South Carolina’s participation in all federal, pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs. This takes effect on June 30th. There are currently 81,684 open positions in the state. With this, I’m hopeful South Carolinians will be encouraged to get back to work.
43% of South Carolinians have started the COVID vaccination process. 33% are fully vaccinated. Nearly 3 million vaccine doses have been given to South Carolina residents to date. Click here to find a vaccination provider.
Finally, as co-chairman of the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, I’m pleased to announce that the 38th annual parade will take place at 3 pm on Sunday, July 4th. This year’s theme is, Stars Stripes and Fireworks. For more information, click here to visit the boat parade Facebook page.
It’s an honor to represent District 108 in the House. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt