Update –December 15 to December 21, 2010

The House of Representatives has adjourned for the 2010 session and begins the 2011 session on January 11, 2011. I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! During this month of December, we have all been busy with the sights and sounds of the season. Nevertheless, I hope that you will take a few moments over the next few days to remember the true meaning for why we celebrate Christmas. Spend time with family and friends and reflect on how blessed that we are to live in the United States. My wife Heather and I hope and pray that the Holiday Season and the New Year bring you much joy, health, and happiness. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Prefiling of Bills for Next Legislative Session: On December 7 and December 14, several bills were prefiled for the upcoming session at the S.C. House. I am cosponsor of the roll call voting bill. Additionally, I prefiled eighteen (18) bills as primary sponsor including bills that will do the following:

* Shorten the legislative session;

* Allow the appointment by the Governor of the State Treasurer; Secretary of State; Superintendent of Education; Comptroller General; Agricultural Commissioner; and Adjutant General;

* Require the Governor and Lt. Governor to run together as a ticket;

* Reduce the number of school districts statewide by setting a mandatory minimum number of students that a district must have to receive state funds;

* Reduce the high school drop out rate by requiring school attendance or early graduation as a condition to drive a motor vehicle before the age of 18;

* Impose mandatory jail time for criminal solicitation of a minor child;

* Create a state income tax deduction for a portion of long term care insurance premiums as an incentive to purchase long term care insurance;

* Require state agencies to report any “carry forward” “other funds” appropriations to the General Assembly by a certain date so that the amount of and purpose for “carry forward” funds are known to lawmakers and the public;

* Mandate zero base budgeting to be used in the state budget process.

Aiken County Legislative Delegation: The next meeting is on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Aiken County Council Chambers.

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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