The House of Representatives has adjourned for the 2010 session. I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:
SCDOT Commissioners in Aiken: The S.C. Department of Transportation Commissioners are holding their monthly meeting this Thursday, December 2 in Aiken City Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. Our local legislative delegation with both County and City officials invited the Commissioners to come to Aiken County. The Commissioners chose to come this month. The meeting is important in the continued efforts to improve traffic flow in areas around Aiken County. I will not be able to attend due to a family commitment but I have been in touch with members of the Commission this week.
Legislative Scorecard: SC BIPEC (South Carolina Business and Industry Political Education Committee) released its 2010 legislative scorecard. I was one of 10 members of the combined House and Senate (170 total) to score a 100 during the 2010 legislative session. The President of BIPEC wrote that this score shows “steadfast dedication to jobs creation and economic development and unyielding commitment to promoting and protecting a competitive free enterprise system.” You may review the scorecard by going to www.scbipec.com or by clicking here.
Other Legislative Scorecards: As reported in earlier updates this Fall, I received an “A” from the National Rifle Association (NRA); a “93” from the State Chamber of Commerce; a “100” from the Conservation Voters of South Carolina which promotes land conservation; and a “100” from the Palmetto Family Alliance which advocates for pro-family issues at the State House. The Alliance works to promote, protect, and preserve family values.
TRAC Commission Recommendations: The report from the Tax Realignment Commission is due to be released any day now. I will provide a link to it in the first update that I send after it is released. You may access material that the Commission has considered in its many meetings by going to the “Citizens’ Interest” page at www.scstatehouse.gov.
South Carolina Retirement System: As mentioned in earlier reports this Fall, the South Carolina Retirement System is being reviewed for its long term solvency. The solvency of nearly all other state pension systems is in question. Some states took action in their 2010 legislative sessions to address those issues. You may review a detailed report as to what others states have done by clicking here.
Thoroughbred Country Holiday Events: There are many holiday events taking place in Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg, and Allendale Counties during the month of December. To see the list, click here. To learn more about Thoroughbred Country events, go to www.tbredcountry.org
Planning for the 2011 Legislative Session: The 2011 legislative session will convene on the second Tuesday in January. I am seeking input from constituents on the critical issues facing our state and area including tax reform; spending reform; K-12 education; the costs of higher education; health care; immigration; economic development; job growth; and the unfunded liabilities in our state’s retirement system. Your input is welcome on any issue important to you. Please email me back or contact me by phone or in person at your convenience.
Aiken County Legislative Delegation: The next meeting is on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aiken County Council Chambers.
Aiken County Public Library: Check out the new digital branch library available through the Aiken County Public Library website (www.abbe-lib.org). This new service, powered by OverDrive, is free to Aiken Library patrons with a valid library card and password. You can browse the collection for audio books, eBooks and videos. You can also download the titles to PC, Mac, iPod, Sony Reader and many other mobile devices to enjoy immediately. Some audio titles can even be burned to CD to listen to on-the-go. At the end of the lending period, the titles automatically expire. The Library is able to offer this new service thanks to a federal Library Services and Technology grant, administered by the South Carolina State Library. NOTE: To get started, patrons need to download free OverDrive Media Console® and Adobe Digital Editions® software, which are available on the digital branch library’s website. For more information, call the Library at 642-2020.
Speaking In Schools: Last month, I was invited to speak to the 3rd grade students at East Aiken Elementary School. While there, I provided each of them a copy of the South Carolina symbols and emblems booklet. If you would like for me to speak with students in a local school, please let me know.
Email Updates: Many people in District 81 are receiving this email update. However, there are many others who do not receive them because I do not know their email addresses. If you know of people who do not receive my updates but they would like to, please email their names and email addresses to me.
Road Issues: If you see a road problem, you can call the SCDOT at 641-7665 or Aiken County at 642-1532 to report the problem. If you do not get a prompt response, please let me know at TomYoung@schouse.gov or call me. In general terms, most paved roads in the County are maintained by SCDOT and are identified on the road- sign poles by a small black and white sign listing the road number, such as S-2-1669. On the other hand, nearly all unpaved roads in the County are maintained by the County.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you. Please let me know if I can help you in any way or if you have questions about these or other issues. Your feedback is meaningful and appreciated.
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