Dear Friends:

Customarily, I begin this legislative update by reporting on the big news coming from the SC State House. However, my career in television news compels me to start with this week’s most important and alarming news that potentially has the most significant impact on you and your family’s lives and safety.

Top Story – Escalating Invasion

If you haven’t viewed this video, you must see it!

On Thursday, as roughly 600 migrants amassed at the border at El Paso, the Texas National Guard attempted to organize them into smaller groups. Chaos soon erupted when more than 100 illegal aliens overwhelmed the troops and pushed through a fence, demanding entry into the US. The surge demonstrates the escalating invasion that places America in a precarious and dangerous situation.

The Texas National Guard and Texas state troopers (DPS) regained control and have redoubled the razor wire barriers. Texas DPS arrested the illegal invaders involved for criminal trespass and destruction of property.

Legal Battle: The border breach came two days after the Supreme Court voted 6-3 that Texas can use its new state law to detain and deport migrants entering or living in the US illegally. Biden’s Justice Department challenged the Texas law. Regrettably, hours later, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a hold on SB 4, the Texas arrest and deportation law, adding another twist to the legal rollercoaster over a state-level immigration policy.

SC Sides with Texas: As America’s escalating border crisis continues to pit Texas against the federal government, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Ohio’s attorney general are leading a 22-state contingent in filing an amicus brief this week with the US Fifth Circuit court – supporting Texas’ right to secure its border.

The brief argued: “The past three years have seen an unprecedented influx of illegal aliens – over nine million – overwhelming the national infrastructure and the crisis has only intensified, and there are no signs of abatement.” The 22 states supporting Texas “bear the brunt of the significant economic, health and public safety issues generated by this mass migration crisis and the federal government’s failure to adequately enforce national immigration laws.”

Terror Warning: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott piggybacked on comments by FBI Director Christopher Wray to a congressional panel this month and warned that a terrorist attack could be carried out in the United States by people crossing into Texas from Mexico without legal authorization.

“You cannot have the number of people coming across the border who are terrorists and not expect anything different.” – Gov. Greg Abbott

A spokesman for Gov. Abbott said, “The surge in El Paso is the direct result of the unsustainable chaos President Biden has unleashed on the border.” President Biden and his administration have allowed roughly nine million people to illegally cross the US border since he took office in January 2021.

Squatters: The rash of squatters in Americans’ homes is also alarming. Nate Jackson wrote an article this week reporting on the plight of a New York City homeowner. After her parents ‘ deaths, the woman inherited the home in Queens and planned to put it on the market, only to discover squatters had occupied it. When she changed the locks, she was arrested rather than the squatters because New York City law grants tenants’ rights to squatters after 30 days on a property. Jackson said, “That sort of thing belongs in dystopian fiction, not reality.”

During the last legislative session, I cosponsored legislation (H.4244) to abolish adverse possession. It is time we rekindled that bill to protect South Carolinians from squatters.

Education Choice Expanded

Republicans in the SC House of Representatives delivered what South Carolinians want this week – the opportunity to find the best path to educate their children. On a vote of 69-32, the House passed legislation to expand the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program launched last year.

The survey of 500 SC voters was conducted a week ago.

Expanding the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program (H.5164) underscores our dedication to providing families with unparalleled freedom in choosing the best educational pathways for their children. This bill would open the current ESA program to any family, regardless of income. They could use $6,000 of state education funding to choose the right education or assistance to help their child learn. Much like the diversity in our communities, a one-size-fits-all approach to education falls short of meeting our children’s varied needs.

SC’s fledgling ESA program is already showing demand outpaces supply. The SC Department of Education reports that nearly 8,000 students have applied for the 5,000 slots available this year under the current program. Of the students who have applied, 4,381 (55%) are minorities, and more than 900 (11%) have disabilities.

SC is far from being alone in advocating for education freedom. On Wednesday, as the SC House passed its bill, Georgia Senators gave final approval to their state’s $6,500 funding for their ESA bill, sending it to Gov. Brian Kemp, who said, “I firmly believe we can take an all-of-the-above approach to education options.”

We are never looking to undermine public education. The General Assembly continues to raise the starting salary for teachers and fully fund our public schools at increasing levels. This expansion is about fostering a culture of choice, innovation, and flexibility in education. From charter schools offering a blend of public accountability and autonomy to homeschooling’s personalized learning environments and magnet schools’ specialized curriculums, SC is poised to become a beacon of educational freedom and excellence.

I am committed to ensuring that every child in our state has access to an education that meets their academic needs and nurtures their talents and aspirations.

Around House District 86

Seeing For Myself

This week, I joined a group of Aiken City officials visiting ‘The House of Raeford’ food manufacturing plant in NC. We were there to get an up-close look at the model for Raeford’s proposed facility on the I-20 frontage road near Exit 22. Three Aiken City Council members were at the forefront of the briefing since they will vote on providing water to the facility. We toured the high-tech facility and found no odors – a concern of nearby residents. It reminded me of the former Pepperidge Farm facility in the industrial park near the Aiken Airport. If you didn’t know better, you would likely think it’s just another of Aiken County’s many manufacturing plants. I’ve included a picture tour so you can see it for yourself.

Amazing!

I love visiting schools and meeting students and teachers. I learn a lot. Recently, Rep. Bart Blackwell and I visited Horse Creek Academy. The public charter school, just east of Aiken, is AMAZING! Five years ago, it moved to a new building with 450 students. It now has nearly 1,400 students with 850 on the waiting list. There’s good reason — Horse Creek has turned the public education model upside down. No bureaucracy, just a total focus on a team approach to student learning. I saw a lot of happy, involved kids.

LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS

Securing Sustainable Energy for SC

As we witness unprecedented population growth, the pressing issue of energy sustainability comes to the forefront. Next week, I’m gearing up for a pivotal debate on the Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act (H.5118). This bill is our response to the “crisis point” facing SC energy supply. It aims to fortify our infrastructure to meet the surging demand.

The focus of the bill is multifaceted, aiming to:

• Diversify our energy sources, with an emphasis on exploring nuclear energy potential.
• Streamline regulatory processes to facilitate the swift development of new energy projects, ensuring our infrastructure can support South Carolina’s continued growth.

We are navigating the complexities of this bill to ensure a future where our state boasts a robust, self-sufficient energy grid.

Upcoming Deliberations on DEI

As the discussion around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies unfolds in our educational institutions, the upcoming debate on H.4289 is crucial. This bill ensures that our colleges and workplaces emphasize merit and individual achievement over mandatory diversity pledges and training.

The intentions behind DEI initiatives — to foster inclusivity and represent diverse backgrounds — are commendable. However, there is a growing concern about finding a balance that truly benefits everyone without compromising the principles of fairness and meritocracy.

As we prepare to address this legislation, I am focused on promoting an educational environment where equality and opportunity are not just ideals but realities for all, aligned with our highest academic standards and federal laws. This approach reinforces our commitment to a merit-based system that truly values the contributions and potential of every individual.

Judicial Reform Moving

Just a week after the Senate passed their Judicial Reform bill (S.1046), the Special House Committee began hearings on their bill. The Senate took a week to debate their bill and eventually voted unanimously for a compromise version. Their bill aims to improve how the legislature selects and reviews judges. It would create a new 12-member screening commission. The governor would appoint 4 of those members, while legislative leadership would appoint the other 8. Increase the number of candidates the screening committee must nominate from the current 3 to no more than 6. Also, the live streaming of screening commission meetings is required to improve transparency. I foresee improving amendments from the committee before the House votes on this important legislation.

Kids Need Recess

Every parent and teacher knows that kids need exercise and opportunities to expend energy. The House of Representatives agrees. This week, Representatives unanimously passed a bill (H.4655) that expands a required recess to students in grades 6th-8th. Current law requires recess for students in grades K-5. This bill calls for every student 4K-8th to receive 20 minutes of outdoor recess and the time necessary to meet physical education requirements. The 20 minutes is separate from lunchtime.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Spending time this week with state officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a delight. My former colleague, Rep. Alan Clemmons, accompanied Elder John Amos on his legislative rounds. Elder Amos was accompanied by Cheryl Ruggles of Aiken, who serves as LDS’ statewide communication director. I shared with them how impressed I was touring the LDS mission facilities around Salt Lake City this past December. The LDS’ charitable works are immense.

Want to Know More?

Do you want to learn more about my positions, bill sponsorships, voting record, and past writings? Here are some handy links:

• About Me: https://taylorschouse.com/about-2/
• My Positions: https://taylorschouse.com/issues/
• Sponsored Bill & Voting Record: http://tiny.cc/b1pouz
• Recent Newsletters: https://taylorschouse.com/category/newsletter/

I’m Available & AT YOUR SERVICE 

It is my honor to be of service. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance navigating state government or have any thoughts or concerns about the legislature.

In Your Service,

Email: Bill@taylorschouse.com
www.TaylorSCHouse.com  

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