Dear Friends:

This past week, the SC House of Representatives had a singular focus – money – lots of money. Representatives debated and approved a $13.9 billion state budget that goes into effect July 1. This is just the first significant step in developing next year’s spending plan. We sent our budget to the Senate. They will make changes and send it back to the House for more changes. It’s a “process.”

Plutonium Dollars

For Aiken and surrounding SC counties, allocating the $525 million in settlement money from the federal government’s failure to remove stored plutonium from the Savannah River Site is a top priority. During budget debate, the Aiken Legislative Delegation presented our colleagues the rationale for Aiken, Barnwell, Allendale, and Edgefield counties to receive a majority (if not all) of the funds. We stood with Rep. Bart Blackwell, who took the lead in providing legislators with the history of the stranded plutonium.

 

The legislature is far from finished in making final decisions on allocating the plutonium settlement funds. The plutonium allocation passed by the House has significantly less money coming our way, and several major projects have been left out from what the Senate proposed. Those missing projects are likely to be included in the Senate version of the budget.

Budget Highlights

The overall $13.9 billion General Fund Budget approved by the House calls for much-needed raises state employees and increases the starting pay for teachers and state-employed law enforcement and corrections officers. The House budget proposal includes setting aside $600 million of that additional revenue for the first year of a phased-in income tax cut. (Review Budget Highlights)

Gas Tax Cut Unlikely

Pulling up to a gas pump is not a happy experience these days. Folks are wincing in disbelief. The sticker shock from skyrocketing gas prices is challenging for those on fixed incomes or modest wages, but everyone feels it in their pocketbook. Fortunately, the gas price has begun to moderate this week but, regrettably, remains high.

There have been calls to suspend SC’s $0.26 per gallon tax to help offset the high price of gas. Gov. McMaster says suspending the gas tax would do more harm than good and setback SCDOT’s work in repairing, widening, and fixing roads, many of which have been neglected for 30 years.

SC Vax Passports?

I have received quite a few inquiries about SC issuing a Smart Health Card since Forbes published and article (A National Vaccine Pass Has Quietly Rolled Out and Red States Are Getting On Board). Many fear it will eventually be a mandatory vaccine passport.

SCDHEC tells me the voluntary program pre-dates the pandemic and was initiated in 2019. Its purpose is to give people an easy way to have their vaccine list available. Specifically, parents would find it easier to provide evidence of their children’s vaccinations to schools. According to DHEC, there was no consideration for creating a ‘vaccine passport’ since that wasn’t on their pre-pandemic radar.

Given the current times and strenuous pushback on the concept of ‘vaccine passports,’ DHEC has put the South Carolina program on hold for at least six months. Before resuming, they pledged to counsel with the Governor’s office and the General Assembly. (Smart Health Card FAQ’s)

Election Time

It’s election season once again. Every two years State Representatives stand for election. Wednesday, I filed to seek the Republican nomination to serve the good people of House District 86 which encompasses about two-thirds of Aiken County as well as the western portion of Lexington County. The Primary Election is June 14, and the General Election is on November 8.

House Shake-Up

House Speaker Jay Lucas (R-Hartsville) announced Thursday he would not seek re-election. He has served as Speaker for eight years and was first elected to the legislature in 1998. Lucas has successfully navigated the legislative agenda, tackling difficult and complex issues.

Members have greatly appreciated his compassionate, collegial leadership.

A week earlier, House Majority Leader Gary Simrill (R-Rock Hill) announced his retirement after 30 years. The next Speaker of the House will likely be Rep. Murrell Smith (R-Sumter), a 21-year veteran of the House, who is currently Chairman the powerful House Ways & Means Committee. The next session’s leadership election takes place in December after the November General Election.

DHEC Break Up

The Senate unanimously passed a bill to restructure the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The bill (S.2) creates the Department of Environmental Services and the Department of Behavioral and Public Health. The Department of Environmental Services will primarily be responsible for the state hydrology program and environmental functions previously served by DHEC. The Department of Behavioral and Public Health will mainly house duties of the Division of Mental Health, Division of Public Health, and the Division of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. Additionally, the Division of Food Safety will be assigned to the Department of Agriculture, and the veterans’ homes program will be provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Transgender Sports

A Senate panel has advanced a bill (S.531) to ban transgender athletes from high and middle school and college women’s sports teams. Similar legislation is being debated in by a House committee, where similar bills failed twice last year. The Senate vote marks the first time a bill to ban transgender athletes has gained traction in that body. Last year, 23 states considered measures to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports, arguing that transgender women have a natural athletic advantage over their cisgender counterparts. Nine states enacted legislation last year, and governors in three more vetoed it. Two more states have passed bans since.

Heartbeat Bill Legal Battle

South Carolina got support from 21 states this week in its court battle to defeat legal challenges to the Heartbeat Bill. Those states filed an amicus brief supporting SC’s newest abortion law. The Heartbeat bill bans most abortions in South Carolina once a “fetal heartbeat” is detected. A federal district court upheld a preliminary injunction of the law. Gov. Henry McMaster then called for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the decision.

Ending Clock Switching

The U.S. Senate this week gave unanimous passage to a bill that would end the twice-a-year ritual of springing forward or falling back by an hour after 2023. It’s Sen. Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act. It would lock in next year’s switch to Daylight Saving Time in March. Rubio said the unanimous support in the Senate reflected a widespread desire by Americans to stop the ritual of changing their clocks back and forth, which dates to 1918, and a preference for daylight during later hours.

The legislation must pass the U.S. House, and if it is signed into law, SC is ready for the permanent time switch. In February 2020, Gov. McMaster signed Act 113 that would permanently lock in Daylight Saving Time contingent on the passage of federal law.

Closer to Home

Aiken’s Vietnam Veterans Monument

The SC Senate approved a House bill (H.3679) authorizing the Aiken County Council and the Aiken City Council to move the Vietnam Veterans Monument from its current location in the median of Laurens Street near the Post Office to the Aiken County Veterans Park about 1.7 miles away on Richland Avenue East. The bill awaits Gov. McMaster’s approval. The Aiken Veterans Council will hold a ceremony commemorating the Viet Nam War, March 29, 1:00 pm at the monument on Laurens St.

Chancellor Investiture

Members of the Aiken Legislative Delegation were among many who joined Dr. Daniel Heimmermann as he was installed as the 5th Chancellor in the 60 years of USC-Aiken. The Investiture Ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in academia, with roots back to the 12th Century. Chancellor Heimmermann said, “I have been impressed with the unwavering dedication of the talented faculty and staff and the university’s devotion to the region and state it serves.”

Learning History

Aiken County School Superintendent King Laurence fired a cannon during a unique learning experience in American history. This “Show & Tell” experience helped bring history to life for students from Aiken High School, including displays and a mock revolutionary battle. The all-day event was sponsored by the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the South Carolina 250th Commission.

Taking a Break

Speaker Lucas surprised legislators after the budget debate by announcing the House of Representatives will be on furlough this coming week. It’s estimated the weeklong furlough saves taxpayers about $55,000. The Senate is scheduled to be in session.

Picture of the Week

Filing for re-election!

I was delighted to file at the same time as Rep. Bill Clyburn (D-Aiken), my colleague and friend.

Want to Know More?

Want to learn more about me, 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 and AT YOUR SERVICE 

It is my honor to be of service. If you need assistance during these trying times, navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about the legislature, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

In Your Service,

Bill Taylor
Representative
South Carolina General Assembly

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

Newsletter not paid using taxpayer funds.   
Legal Notice: This newsletter is not a solicitation for contributions to any SC registered lobbyist.