Overview:
This week marked the first week of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. We begin another year in South Carolina with large Republican majorities in both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. On Tuesday, Speaker Murrell Smith gaveled the session in as over 700 bills made their way across his desk. These bills were assigned to their respective committees where my colleagues and I will begin refining them in committee until they are ready to be placed on the House floor for debate.
On Wednesday, I joined the entire General Assembly as we led the procession down the State House steps to witness Governor Henry McMaster, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, and our Constitutional Officers being sworn in for the next four years. Gov. McMaster’s Inaugural address commended the General Assembly for passing the largest income tax cut in state history last year, appropriating over a billion and half dollars for new water, sewer, stormwater and infrastructure needs around the state, and ensuring we saved our budget surplus so that we now have the largest rainy day reserve fund balance in state history. Gov. McMaster outlined a bold vision that focuses on education, properly funding law enforcement, and making sure the process of electing judges is transparent and accountable. I look forward to working hand in hand with the Governor and our Constitutional Officers in making South Carolina a better and safer place to live and to raise a family.
Agenda:
This past month the House Republican Caucus outlined our agenda for the 2023-2024 Legislative session. I believe that the success of South Carolina is dependent on these five pillars:
· Improve Statewide Economic Development to Ensure Prosperity
· Reform our Education System so Students are Better Prepared for the Workforce
· Limit Government by Implementing Fiscal Discipline and Responsibility
· Increase Personal Freedom and Encourage Conservative Values
· Prioritize Public Safety and make Law and Order a Top Priority
I am committed to introducing and supporting legislation in the upcoming session that will elevate our State by focusing on each of these pillars.