I hope you’re doing well.
This week, the House Ways and Means Committee I serve on was busy considering a lot of legislation.
On Wednesday, the Property Tax Subcommittee met to consider bills to provide property tax exemptions for manufacturers and renewable energy resource properties. We also considered a bill concerning property tax installment payments.
The full Ways and Means Committee met on Thursday to consider 14 bills, ranging from tax issues and S.C. Workforce Industry Needs Scholarships to abandoned building revitalization.
On Tuesday, the bill I cosponsored to address the sustainability of our important flounder fishery, H. 3957, passed the House by a vote of 106 to 3. The legislation is an effort to rebuild the depleted flounder stock, while keeping the fishery open year-round. The bill, supported by SCDNR, now goes to the Senate for consideration. Click here for Coastal Conservation Association praise of the bill.
A House Judiciary subcommittee passed S. 147, legislation that protects businesses operating in accordance with health guidelines from liability associated with COVID. This legislation is very important to the business community and helps us get South Carolina back to work.
Next week is budget week in the House. We’ll meet for four days, usually running into the late evening hours, debating and voting on the state budget for 2012-2022.
The budget will be built on the foundation of protecting taxpayers, a renewed commitment to being resourceful and efficient, funding core functions of state government, and providing value for every dollar we spend. There is also a new sense of awareness and preparedness for disasters, whether we face a weather-related natural disaster or health emergency.
South Carolina is still in phase 1B of the COVID vaccination process. Click here to find out if you qualify for a vaccine. Click here to find a vaccination provider.
23.1% of South Carolina citizens have started the vaccination process. 12.8% are fully vaccinated. 1,451,957 vaccines have been given to South Carolina residents.
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