Weekly Legislative Update from Rep. Tom Young – Dec. 20, 2011 to Jan. 3, 2012

The House of Representatives returns to session next Tuesday on January 10, 2012.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

Happy New Year:  Happy New Year to you and your family! During the Holidays, I hope that you took a few moments to remember the true meaning for why we celebrate Christmas.  I also hope that you were able to 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 New Year brings you much joy, health, and happiness.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Master Public Safety Officer Scott RichardsonTragedy struck our community before Christmas on December 21 with the shooting death of Aiken Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson.  Please remember his wife, 3 young sons, parents, brother, and extended family and friends in your prayers.  To assist his wife and children, you may contribute to the following fund for their benefit:

Edward Scott
Richardson Children’s Fund
Savannah River Banking Co.
407 Silver Bluff Rd., SW
Aiken, SC 29803

Comptroller General’s 2011 Annual Financial Report:  On December 23, State Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom released the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the State.  The report can be accessed by clicking here.  I will post the condensed version in a future update when it is available.

New State Flag for Schools in District:  If you know of a school in District 81 which needs a new South Carolina state flag, please let me know.

Feedback Requested — Planning for the 2012 Legislative Session:  The 2012 legislative session will convene next week 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 UpdateThe 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.  If you set a tour between January and June and it is on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, please let me know so I can do my best to see you.

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

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