The House of Representatives returns to session in three weeks on January 10, 2012. This update will be my last for 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. Remember our troops who are abroad and who will not be able to be home with their families for the Holidays. 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.
“Meaning of Christmas” Message from Former President Reagan: Thirty years ago this week, former President Reagan addressed the nation on television and delivered his “meaning of Christmas” message. Regardless of your political leanings, I encourage you to take a moment to watch this message and to reflect on that message both this week and next. To see the video, go here.
State Chamber of Commerce Competitiveness Agenda Released: The S.C. Chamber of Commerce released its annual “Competitiveness Agenda” last week for the upcoming 2012 legislative session. The agenda can be seen here.
State Retirement Plan: Last week, the House Ways and Means panel looking at the state retirement plan recommended certain changes necessary to keep the State Retirement System solvent. Those changes can be seen here. A Senate Finance panel is also looking at the state retirement plan and will recommend its own changes soon. This list is not exclusive and I expect that there will be additions and/or modifications to this after the legislation is drafted. This issue will be at the forefront of the 2012 session when the General Assembly returns to session on January 10. Your feedback is welcome.
Tom Brokaw — USC Commencement Speaker: Tom Brokaw, author of The Greatest Generation, spoke at USC Columbia’s graduation last week. If you would like to see his comments, go here.
Feedback Requested — Planning for the 2012 Legislative Session: The 2012 legislative session will convene in three weeks on January 10. 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; economic development; job growth; and the unfunded liabilities in our state’s retirement systems. 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.
SCDOT Weekly Update: The Department of Transportation started a weekly update in August to inform the public about what is going on at the agency as to its financial situation and other matters. To see the latest, go here.
Speaking to Groups Around the District: Several local groups have invited me to attend one of their meetings to provide a legislative update. If you have a group that would like for me to come to a meeting, please let me know.
Help for Displaced SRS Workers: If you or someone you know lost a job at SRS, there is a One-Stop Transition Center open in downtown Aiken at Park Avenue and Laurens Street to assist workers displaced at SRS with finding new work. The Center is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.lswia.org.
Report Waste, Fraud and Abuse in State Government: To report waste, fraud and abuse in state government, you can call: 1-855-SC-FRAUD.
Facebook: I have a Facebook page for Representative Tom Young. Please “like” the page to receive updates during the week from me on Facebook.
Tom Young’s Website: My website can be reached at www.reptomyoung.com. There are links to a variety of constituent services; the status of sponsored bills; and roll call votes. Please add my web site as a bookmark on your computer.
State House Tours: Tours are available for the S.C. State House by calling (803) 734-2430.
Email Updates: If you know of people in or around District 81 who do not receive my updates but they would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.
Road Issues: If you see a road problem, 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. Generally, 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. Most unpaved roads in the County are maintained by the County.
Thank you for the opportunity and the honor 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.
Sincerely,
Tom Young
649-0000 (o)
215-3631 (cell)
P.S. Please visit www.reptomyoung.com for more posts, news, video updates, and, if you have Twitter, please click here to start following me!
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