Dear Friends:
If the world’s elites and progressives had their way, we would all bow before their ‘Green Idol’ of Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG). It’s all about power and control. After all, do you really need a gas stove? How about going meatless because cow flatulence is polluting the environment? The list is endless.
They are also focused on controlling your money to advance their agenda. Not in SC! We’re pushing back.
ESG Pension Protection Act – Safeguarding Our Future
On Wednesday, Governor Henry McMaster signed H.3690, the ESG Pension Protection Act into law. The bill ensures all investment decisions by the SC Retirement System Investment Commission (RSIC) are based solely on maximizing the highest rate of return for participants and beneficiaries and not on factors like the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) movement.
This critical legislation ensures the $39 billion in South Carolina’s pension system is invested to maximize returns for over 600,000 state and local government employees, free from the influence of Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) objectives.
As the primary sponsor of the bill, I told reporters, “The goal of this bill is to take the politics out of South Carolina’s pension investments. This bill very simply makes sure that we make money for those who are in the state pension program. We want them to have a happy and fulfilling retirement with money in their pocket.” (Aiken Standard reports)
Governor Henry McMaster underscored the bipartisan support for the legislation: “This bill – which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support – is yet another example of our commitment to responsible financial stewardship and will safeguard the interests of our retirees and taxpayers from the liberal ESG agenda.”
The bill passed the House 103-5 and the Senate 45-0.
UPDATE: The day following SC’s bill signing, two of the world’s biggest asset managers, JP Morgan and State Street, quit an investors group set up to prod companies over global warming (ESG). A third firm, Black Rock, the world’s largest money manager, is pulling out of Climate Action 100+ (ESG). States are pushing back, and the big-money guys are paying attention.
Empowering Student Athletes
It was a milestone achievement! On Wednesday, I enthusiastically supported and ultimately passed H.4957, a landmark bill designed to empower college athletes in South Carolina with the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This legislation promotes fair and equitable opportunities for student-athletes, ensuring our state aligns with national standards in collegiate sports.
Developed in response to the dynamic and evolving landscape of college athletics, this legislation provides South Carolina’s higher education institutions with the legal clarity and authority to actively support their athletes in NIL activities. The bill reflects a collaborative effort among the state’s major universities to remain competitive and to address the challenges posed by the lack of comprehensive NIL policies at the national level and the NCAA’s interim policy.
A groundbreaking aspect of the bill is its provision allowing institutions of higher learning to play a direct role in facilitating NIL deals. This includes enabling staff and officials within these institutions to identify, create, and solicit opportunities for athletes to earn through their name, image, or likeness. Notably, the bill stipulates that these institutions cannot directly profit from the facilitation of these deals, ensuring the focus remains on athlete support.
Second Amendment Rights — Staying True to Our Principles
In response to recent Senate amendments, the House Republican Caucus remains unified in our commitment to the Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act, H.3594. This week, we sent our original House bill back to the Senate, underscoring our dedication to safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of South Carolinians.
The House bill strengthens public safety by targeting illegal firearm possession among felons. It ensures equal treatment under the law, reflecting our dedication to the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership. Our actions are a direct response to the calls from our constituents, embodying responsive governance and the democratic process. As we move forward, we urge the Senate to join us in enacting a law that not only upholds our citizens’ freedoms but also enhances the safety of our communities.
Urge your Senator to concur with the House bill so SC can join 27 states in recognizing constitutional carry.
LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Fixing SC’s Alcohol Insurance Crisis
For the past year, I have labeled this a CRISIS. Restaurants that sell alcohol are closing around the state because insurance companies have fled SC, claiming that for every dollar in paid premiums, they are spending three dollars in settling lawsuits. If restaurants and VFW posts cannot find liability insurance, they will be forced to close. If they can obtain insurance, the costs may be unaffordable for some. For others, high insurance costs may be passed on to customers.
Innovative Solution Introduced
It has taken months to find a legislative solution to the alcohol/insurance challenge. The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements legislation has just been introduced. H.5066 is designed to assist SC businesses in assuring they can affordably purchase liquor liability insurance by creating the FAIR Program. This program would offer liquor liability insurance policies to establishments with difficulty finding affordable insurance through the private insurance market. (BILL SUMMARY)
LEGISLATIVE BRIEFS
Compassionate Care Act Gets Greenlight
A bill that would legalize medical marijuana in SC has cleared a hurdle in the Statehouse. The Senate passed the bill, known as the “Compassionate Care Act,” by a 24-19 vote on Wednesday. The bill would only allow the use of medical marijuana in oils, salves, patches, and vaporizers – so smoking marijuana would still be illegal in the state. Medical conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy would qualify for a prescription. Doctors would still need to approve those in person, and only certain licensed pharmacies would be able to dispense the drug – and a five-year sunset provision would allow the legislature to evaluate how the program is doing at that point and potentially end it if it’s not working. The bill was sent to the House, where it stalled last session.
Advancing Healthcare
On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee passed H.4927. This bill proposes the creation of the Executive Office of Health and Policy by merging the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH). Following a comprehensive study by the Boston Consulting Group, the bill aims to address our healthcare system’s fragmentation, enhancing care quality and accessibility, especially for our most vulnerable populations.
The Federal Government is Bankrupting our Nation
Appearing before a SC House Judiciary Subcommittee yesterday, I testified to the urgency of passing H.3676, calling for an Article V Convention of States to propose an amendment to the US Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government through a balanced budget amendment. The panel voted to advance the bill to the full committee.
My testimony provided a stark reality of the cost of the federal government’s wild spending and what it is costing you. https://vimeo.com/913456297
Honoring National Champions
Thursday, the General Assembly celebrated the USC-Aiken equine eventing team members for capturing the university’s nation equine championship. The team took top honors at the 2023 United States Eventing Association Intercollegiate Championship. The team’s five members faced off against much larger schools, some with teams of nearly forty competitors. The team members were fast and had no penalties during the competition. Even during heavy rainfall on the final day of competition, USC-Aiken team members rode strong, horse and rider, performing at their best. The Pacers defeated Auburn University to win the national championship.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
It was USC Day at the State House on Tuesday. Several Aiken County Legislative Delegation members were fortunate to spend time with USC-Aiken’s student ambassadors and student government leaders. These bright, involved students are preparing to make SC even better.
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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