Dear Friends:
The SC General Assembly is still at work. We returned to special session last week to consider conference committee reports and the Governor’s legislative vetoes, and the legislative wins continued to mount.
Big Win for SC’s Small Businesses
The House has passed the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act (H.3021), a major step toward reducing unnecessary government red tape and creating a stronger, more competitive business climate.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, support local families, and drive our state’s economy. That’s why legislators are working to make it easier, not harder, to start, grow, and succeed in South Carolina. H.3021 now heads to the Governor’s desk!
“By passing this bill, which reduces the regulatory burden businesses face, we boost our economy. By encouraging employers to take risks that pay off in creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving innovation,” said Sara Hazzard, President & CEO, SC Manufacturers & Commerce.
It is vital we keep South Carolina one of the best places in America to live, work, and do business.
Bank on It
The House voted unanimously to send the Guarantee Banking Act (H.5538) to the Governor’s desk. No South Carolinian should lose access to banking services because of their political or religious beliefs.
The Guarantee Banking Act protects consumers and businesses by ensuring financial institutions cannot discriminate based on ideology. If you do business in South Carolina, you should play by fair rules.
Buy American!
The South Carolina House has unanimously passed H.4709, the Buy American Iron & Steel Act, sending it to the Governor’s desk.
This common-sense legislation ensures that SC taxpayer-funded public works projects prioritize American-made iron and steel, helping strengthen our nation’s manufacturing base while supporting hardworking South Carolinians and American workers. This includes a wide range of items, such as pipes, bars, and structural steel.
When we invest in our infrastructure, we should also invest in the people and businesses that build America. Legislators are putting America first right here in South Carolina.
Healthcare – Know What You’re Paying For
SC is set to improve transparency in healthcare billing with new legislation taking effect on January 1, 2027. The House and Senate unanimously approved H.4069, which requires healthcare facilities to provide patients with bills that detail the services rendered and associated charges. This change aims to empower patients with clear and detailed information about their healthcare costs.
Under the new requirements, patients will also have the option to request a printed copy of their itemized bill. Healthcare facilities and providers must inform patients about the availability of their billing charges. The itemized bills must include plain language descriptions of services, the total amount due, and any applicable third-party reimbursement amounts.
This legislation represents a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in healthcare billing practices in South Carolina.
Shrimp Truth
The House of Representatives adopted the Conference Committee Report for H.4248, the Truth in Shrimp Labeling Act.
This legislation requires restaurants and food service establishments to disclose the country of origin of the shrimp they serve, helping prevent imported shrimp from being passed off as local.
It’s another commonsense step that promotes transparency, protects consumers, and supports South Carolina’s shrimping industry.
My Curtain Call
For me, this one-day session was a memorable curtain call. With my retirement from the legislature on the horizon, I stood before the House of Representatives for what I suspect as my final time. I urged my colleagues to override the Governor’s veto of the Article V Convention of States Faithful Delegate legislation.
This law establishes clear guardrails for commissioners that SC would send to an Article V amending convention when one is called. For those concerned about the possibility of a so-called “runaway convention,” the legislation provides strong safeguards. Any commissioner who violates legislative instructions would be recalled immediately and may face felony prosecution for failing to conduct the will of the General Assembly. 
The House voted to override the veto, and a few hours later, the Senate did the same. As a result, the bill is now law without the Governor’s signature.
After 13 years of working to advance the Convention of States movement, it was especially meaningful to play a role in securing this final legislative victory. It is another step forward in limiting federal authority that exceeds Constitutional boundaries.
Let’s Celebrate
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we have an extraordinary opportunity not only to reflect on our nation’s history but also to celebrate the remarkable tapestry of ideals, achievements, and opportunities that continue to make the United States exceptional.
At a time when headlines often focus on division and uncertainty, it is worth remembering that America remains a beacon of hope and opportunity. Millions around the world still dream of visiting, studying, working, or building a life here. They are drawn by the freedom, innovation, and optimism that have defined our nation for two and a half centuries.
My Personal Patriot
The 250th celebration holds special meaning for me.
Over the past few years, I have researched my family history. Like many people, I assumed my ancestors were ordinary citizens who quietly lived their lives. To my surprise and pride, I discovered Revolutionary War patriots on both sides of my family tree.
Although I was not born in South Carolina, I learned that my roots run deep in the Palmetto State. My great-grandfather, Lewis Wells, served in Colonel Thomas Brandon’s Fair Forest Regiment and fought at the pivotal Battle of Cowpens in 1781. Colonel Brandon’s men were the first Americans to confront the advancing British forces led by the feared Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Historical accounts indicate they fired the battle’s opening shots and helped set the stage for one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War.
Many of the soldiers in my grandfather’s regiment were wounded in hand-to-hand combat. Col. Brandon set the example for his men by killing three British dragoons with his sword. A fictional version of the battle is featured in the movie “The Patriot,” starring Mel Gibson.
The Battle of Cowpens virtually destroyed Tarleton’s command and forced General Cornwallis to abandon his campaign in the Carolinas and flee north. The Cowpens defeat contributed directly to the chain of events that culminated in Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown, securing American independence.
The icing on the cake of my ancestral history was learning that after the war, my great-grandfather moved his family to the
Edgefield District, which was later divided into Aiken and Edgefield Counties, as well as portions of Saluda and McCormick Counties.
Over the Father’s Day weekend, I walked the Cowpens battlefield with three of our grandchildren and reflected on the courage of those patriots who risked everything for liberty. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom is never guaranteed. Each generation has a responsibility to preserve and strengthen the blessings they fought to secure.
A Son of the Revolution
This month, I was formally inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
I am honored to join the Henry Laurens Chapter in Aiken, one of more than 550 chapters worldwide dedicated to preserving the legacy of those who fought for American independence.
Membership is open to any male age 18 or older who can document direct lineage to a patriot who contributed to the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War.
The organization’s mission is simple but important: to honor our Revolutionary War patriots, promote patriotism, serve our communities, and educate future generations about the principles upon which our nation was founded.
We Have Much to Celebrate!
America’s 250th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to reflection.
Our nation’s greatness rests upon enduring principles — liberty, self-governance, and opportunity. These ideals have inspired not only Americans but countless people around the world.
We are a nation shaped by generations of immigrants, our ancestors, who began arriving centuries ago, bringing their talents, traditions, and dreams to our shores. That diversity of backgrounds has strengthened our country and fueled the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to drive progress.
America’s appeal remains undeniable. Foreign visitors marvel at things we take for granted — from the vastness and beauty of our changing landscape to the conveniences of everyday life.
Those attending the World Cup games gave authentic responses on social media. Some were amazed at our abundant food culture. A Swedish fan discovered ranch dressing, and a Scotsman standing in front of Buc-ee’s declared a place like this could only exist in America. Then there were those who found delight in walking into a Waffle House at 1 a.m. and enjoying great food and the free-drink-refill tradition. Others posted their amazement at shopping at Walmart. They also commented on experiencing the unique energy and optimism that define our country.
Our achievements in science, technology, medicine, and the arts continue to improve lives around the globe. American innovation has transformed how people communicate, work, travel, and access information. These accomplishments reflect a culture that rewards creativity, hard work, and the pursuit of lofty ideas.
Perhaps most importantly, America’s story is one of resilience. Throughout our history, we have endured wars, economic hardships, natural disasters, and periods of deep division. Yet repeatedly, we have overcome those challenges and emerged stronger. That resilience is evident every day in communities where neighbors help neighbors and citizens work together to solve problems.
As we celebrate 250 years of independence, we should also recognize that our nation’s strength comes from a willingness to improve. America is not perfect, nor is any nation. But our commitment to self-correction, accountability, and progress is one of our greatest strengths.
The semiquincentennial is an opportunity to renew our appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities that accompany them. It is a time to honor those who came before us while recommitting ourselves to building an even stronger nation for future generations.
America remains a land of possibility — a place where dreams can become reality with hard work and perseverance, and where individuals from every walk of life have the opportunity to make a difference.
As we look toward our next 250 years, may we carry forward the same spirit of courage, resilience, faith, and hope that has defined America since its founding.
Photo of the Week
It was a delight to have Tommy Paradise join me in the SC House of Representatives for another day of our special legislative session last week. He witnessed spirited debate on a couple of critical issues — hopefully, a preview of what’s ahead for him. Tommy is the Republican nominee to succeed me in serving House District 86.
