We opened the 2020 legislative session on January 14 when both the Senate and the House of Representatives convened at noon. Because we are in the second year of a two-year session, we have picked up right where we left off.

One of my biggest priorities is education reform. In the first week, we set Senate Bill S419 (Education Reform) to Special Order to place the debate at the top of the priority list. As many of you know, I am serving on the Senate Education subcommittee. Over the last year, our subcommittee held approximately 20 hearings and Town Hall meetings around the state to get feedback from educators, parents, and the community.

I truly believe that education is the long-term solution to our workforce development issues in South Carolina. In 2035, we will be experiencing a 20% reduction in available workforce because of the decreasing birth rate. (These are the students currently in 4K.) It’s imperative we get this reform right.  If you would like to follow the discussion, click here for the Senate video broadcast schedule.

Recently, I participated in an interview with the Palmetto Promise Institute. The questions asked of me included why I originally ran for office in 2012, what the top issues we need to address this year are, and why I love South Carolina. To me, the top three issues the General Assembly needs to address this year are education, tax reform, and Santee Cooper. Please click here to read the full interview.

In the South Carolina Senate, all 46 seats are up for election this year. I will be running for re-election, and I hope I can count on your support. The primary will be held on June 9 and the general election will be held on November 3. Some of you have already asked how to donate to our campaign. If you would like to do so, click here. I appreciate your support!

Thank you all for the privilege to serve as your state senator for District 8. If I can help you in any way, please email me at rossturner@scsenate.govor call my office in Columbia and leave a message with my assistant, Ja’vell Bynoe, at (803) 212-6148.