Dear Friends:
I’m pleased to report the SC House of Representatives delivered meaningful results for South Carolina families by passing critical legislation that reinforces parental rights. We also stood up for our farmers and agricultural community and advanced policies that put South Carolina workers, businesses, and taxpayers first.
Big Win for Parents
The SC House of Representatives passed the Parental Rights Bill that strengthens parents as the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. It affirms that their rights are fundamental, not secondary to government agencies. The vote was 116-1.
The legislation (H.4757) protects parents’ authority over education, healthcare, and moral or religious upbringing, and it requires schools and other institutions to be transparent, to seek parental consent before providing sensitive instruction or services, and to provide clear remedies when those rights are violated. The bill was sent to the Senate.
Right Sizing SC’s Unemployment Benefits
The SC House passed legislation (H.3477) to modernize SC’s unemployment benefits by tying the length of benefits to the state’s
unemployment rate. When jobs are plentiful, benefits would be shorter — 12 weeks. When unemployment rises, benefits would extend automatically—up to 20 weeks in tougher economic times.
The bill also strengthens accountability by reinforcing job-search requirements and giving the Department of Employment and Workforce clearer authority to prevent fraud and verify compliance.
Supporting SC Farmers & Ag Industry
The House passed the Ban on Fake Meat bill (H.5096) unanimously, taking action to protect South Carolina’s agricultural industry and consumers by banning the sale of lab-grown “fake meat” in our state. This legislation defends our farmers from being undercut by synthetic, lab-produced products. It also ensures honesty and transparency for families who deserve to know exactly what is on their dinner table.
More Support for Farmers
The House also passed the Roadside Markets bill (H.5097), protecting SC’s roadside market tradition and cutting unnecessary red tape on local farmers. This bill removes burdensome regulations, supports family-run operations, and makes it easier for farmers to sell fresh, South Carolina-grown products directly to consumers, keeping our agricultural heritage strong and local businesses thriving.
House W&M’s Budget Approved
After many weeks of budget hearings, the House Ways & Means Committee voted approval of the $15.4 billion General Fund Budget. The balanced budget takes a disciplined, focused approach, emphasizing infrastructure, people, and fiscal restraint.
The vote was a significant milestone in a long budget process. The full House will debate the budget the week of March 9th, then it goes to the Senate, where the process repeats. Eventually, a compromised budget will emerge in early May.
Here are highlights in the initial budget:
- $500M for road repair and improvements to address past deficits and stay ahead of new demand to speed up efforts to erase a 30‑year backlog in road funding.
- $70M for airport enhancements to expand capacity, support tourism, and facilitate high-value freight.
- $150M to raise starting teacher salary to $50,500 and provide a $2,000 increase across all salary lanes.
- $75M for capital fund for public/charter schools.
- $23M to expand the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESPF) to serve 15,000 students.
- $175M to the Medical University of SC for one-time funding for a world-class, comprehensive Cancer Center.
- $371M in nonrecurring funds to our public colleges and universities for maintenance, renovation, equipment, technology, and security.
- “South Carolina First” — a new recurring funding model to replace tuition mitigation and require institutions not to raise or save tuition.
- Tax relief package delivering nearly $1B in relief this year.
Purchasing Lottery Tickets
The House budget-writing committee approved adding a proviso to the state’s annual spending plan to allow automated lottery vending machines in SC, as is done in 48 other states. This will speed up those frequent, long, and slow checkout lines at convenience stores for folks who want to pay for purchases while lottery buyers are getting tickets. Machines will be required to read IDs to make sure a person is at least 18 years old. It costs about $20,000 to install each machine, and lottery officials expect to pay for themselves in less than 10 months. Budget Provisos serve as one-year laws. Representatives Nathan Ballentine, Gilda Cobb-Hunter, and I have co-sponsored legislation to allow the machines to be permanently installed.
America’s 250th Anniversary
South Carolina was where the Revolutionary War was won. Some folks might disagree, but after the British were defeated at the Battle of Cowpens, British Commander General Charles Cornwallis admitted he lost roughly one-quarter of his Southern Army.
In letters to his superiors, Cornwallis acknowledged that the defeat was severe, writing that it “ruined my army.” He emphasized that the loss went far beyond numbers: it damaged morale, leadership, and operational flexibility. Because it cost him some of his best troops and shattered British momentum in the South, the Red Coats hightailed it to Virginia, where he surrendered to George Washington.
South Carolina is justified in claiming it won the war. Historians generally agree that about 200 Revolutionary War battles, skirmishes, and engagements were fought in South Carolina. Only Virginia experienced more. I’m proud that my great-grandfather, Lewis Wells, served in the SC Militia and was part of Colonel Brandon’s Brigade, which was the first to engage Cornwallis’ Army at the Battle of Cowpens.
This week, the fife & drummers welcomed legislators to the SC250 historic exhibit at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia. The Discovery Center is a wonderful, interactive exhibit. It debuted at last October’s State Fair, and the announcement was made that it will remain there for the next few years. It’s a must-see history lesson!
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State Migratory Bird
The House celebrated SC’s rich natural history with the passage of S.383, recognizing the Prothonotary Warbler. As the Palmetto State’s as the official migratory bird. During the House debate, Rep. Bill Hixon, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, did his best imitation of Vana White, displaying a large photo of the strikingly beautiful, golden-yellow songbirds that migrate annually between South Carolina and their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
The warbler is an indicator species, meaning its presence reflects the health of SC’s wetland ecosystems, and protecting its habitat
benefits not only the Prothonotary Warbler but also a diverse array of wildlife, including other migratory birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates that rely on these environments.
This bill reflects pride in our state’s unique wildlife and natural beauty, a reminder that putting South Carolina first also means celebrating what makes our state special.
Aiken Area News
Change of Heart
Rep. Bill Clyburn returned to the State House of Representatives this week and thanked his colleagues for their overwhelming support during the difficult time following the recent passing of his wife, Beverly.
He concluded by announcing that he had reconsidered his retirement, announced several weeks ago, and that he would seek reelection. Explaining that his circumstances abruptly changed with his wife’s passing, he wants to continue to serve the people of House District 82.
His announcement was greeted with a standing ovation from his fellow Representatives.
Pacers Visit the State House
The student Ambassadors from USC-Aiken made their annual trek to the State House this week as part of Carolina Day. Members of the Aiken Legislative Delegation met with the Ambassadors for a Q&A roundtable. These remarkable leaders love their university, and it shows.
Aiken’s Man of the Year
At the Aiken Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, Rob Johnston was named Aiken’s Man of the Year. Rob is a true gift to his hometown. He is a most generous philanthropist who seeks to help those in need with his own large contributions, while encouraging others to match his gifting. He loves his community, and it shows through his big heart and faithfulness. CONGRATULATIONS, ROB!
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
A Real Estate Legend
Friday, we honored Gail Gingrey for 50 years as a top Aiken County Realtor. Rep. Charlie Hartz, Rep. Melissa Oremus, and I presented her with a House Resolution marking the occasion.
Gail grew up in Johnston, moved to Aiken, and began her distinguished real estate career in 1976, building a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and excellence that has endured for five decades. As a true trailblazer, Gail made history in 1985 by co-founding the Real Estate Shoppe, the first all-women-owned and operated real estate firm in South Carolina and the largest agency of its kind in the Palmetto State. The Real Estate Shoppe was eventually acquired by Meybohm Real Estate, where Gail still works alongside her team, including her grandson, Daniel Leonardi.
