Do You Remember?
Greenville County Schools were closed on Monday, March 30, 1981. I was a junior in high school, and that afternoon a group of us went to our church gym to play basketball.

Around 2:30 p.m. that day, someone ran in the gym and told us President Ronald Reagan had been shot. We found a room in the church with a small television to watch the news (of course, you only had three channel options back then). I will always remember where I was that day.

Last Saturday, we were on our way home from the lake when our daughter called to say that President Trump had been shot. At the time we knew very few details, but I told my daughter this was one of those moments where she would remember where she was, and how it made her feel, for the rest of her life.

We watched all night as the news rolled in. Reality hit as we realized how close we all came to a very different outcome. We continue to pray for the families of those who were injured and lost their lives.

I am encouraged by the tone of unity coming out after the assassination attempt, as well as at the Republican National Convention this week. I only hope that it will not be short lived.

Senate Updates
I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. What a blessing to celebrate our freedom and the birth of the greatest country in the world with family and friends.

In two years, we will celebrate our country’s Sestercentennial Celebration (250th Birthday). A commission in South Carolina has been hard at work since 2018 to help us understand the impact South Carolina had in the Revolutionary War. Be sure to visit SouthCarolina250.com to find out more about plans being made.

Since my last newsletter, we were called back into session to vote on the final budget and pass several conference reports.

I believe we had a very strong two-year session. This year’s budget reflects our booming economy and the opportunity to meet the needs that growth brings. The highlights of this budget include:

• An accelerated income tax cut that drops us to 6.2% at the highest bracket – down from 7% just a few years ago
• An increase in the minimum starting teacher salary to $47,000 (just six years ago it was an embarrassing $30,113 per year)
• $200 million additional dollars for bridges
• $200 million going to the County Transportation committees – where the money can get to the local roads faster
• More law enforcement funding for school resource officers and more Highway Patrolmen on the road

We passed the final budget that went to Governor McMaster. He signed the budget, but vetoed several line items that will not be included unless we go back to override them (no word on that yet).

In his veto letter, the Governor did mention an earmark on page four that I put in to help with a new Meals on Wheels building. It was an honor to put that request in for a great organization like Meals on Wheels, and I am pleased it was approved. The Governor listed great reasons for it as well.

Everyone understands that we are still behind on our infrastructure needs. Momentum 2050: Moving South Carolina Forward is the statewide plan for the future of South Carolina’s transportation network.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is asking for your input in the planning process. Please click here to take the survey. It took me about 5 minutes and most of it revolves around what should be the main priorities.

As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent District 8 in the SC Senate. It is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly.

If there is anything I can do to help you navigate state government or if you just want to share your thoughts and concerns, please call my Columbia office at (803) 212-6148 and my assistant, Ja’vell Bynoe, will be happy to help you.