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