The House of Representatives returns to session tomorrow after concluding the regular session on Thursday, June 7. I hope that you find the following information helpful and informative:
State Budget: The House amended the Senate version of the State Budget. The Senate did not concur so the budget is in Conference Committee. The House and the Senate will need to pass a budget this week to send it to Governor Haley.
Restructuring – Elimination of the Budget and Control Board: A conference committee continues to meet to work out differences in H.3066, legislation eliminating the South Carolina Budget and Control Board and transferring many of the responsibilities to the newly created Department of Administration. This is a MAJOR restructuring initiative for this year.
State Retirement System: A conference committee continues to work on this major legislation for this year.
Pollution Control Act: Final passage occurred in both the House and the Senate on H.4654 aimed at providing regulatory certainty to economic development across the state in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Smith Land Company case last year. To learn more about this legislation and what it does, go here.
No Unemployment if Fired for Misconduct: In the last few minutes of session on June 7, the General Assembly gave final approval to S.1125 which eliminates unemployment benefits for anyone working in South Carolina who is fired for misconduct.
Passage of Other Bills in Last Moments of Session: Several bills were passed in the last week of regular session including the following:
- Right to Work Law Enhancements – H. 4652;
- Online Electronic Voter Registration – H. 4945;
- Department of Transportation to Maintain Online Transaction Register – S.1007;
- Expanded penalties under state law for Human Trafficking – H. 3757;
- Enhanced penalties for Timber Theft – S.168;
- Expanded provisions for hunting coyotes and wild hogs – H. 3730 and S.741;
- Improved Procedures and Requirements for Court-Ordered Joint Custody of Children – H.4614.
Death of Several Bills With the End of Regular Session: Unfortunately, time ran out on several bills which many people in District 81 considered important to our state including the following:
- Drop Out of High School – No Drive Until Turn 18 – died in Senate;
- Spending Limits in State Budget – died in Senate;
- Freedom of Information Act amendments – died in Senate;
- Fail Drug Test from Prospective Employer then No Unemployment Benefits – died in Senate;
- Restructuring – Governor Appoint Superintendent of Education – died in Senate.
- Department of Transportation Reform – failed to pass either House or Senate; and
- Drug Testing Before Receiving Welfare Assistance – failed to pass either House or Senate.
Legislature Returns to Special Session Tomorrow: The General Assembly returns to Columbia tomorrow. The House is expected to take up several conference reports this week. The big three for which there has not yet been any agreements reached are the following: (1) the budget conference report; (2) the conference report involving the elimination of the Budget and Control Board; and (3) the conference report concerning the changes in the State Retirement System.
Senate Campaign: I am sending a separate email later today regarding the latest on my State Senate Campaign.
Aiken County Public Library Summer Reading Program: The annual summer reading program for children through the 5th grade has started at the Aiken County Public Library. The Program runs through early August. Children who read the required number of books will receive a medal and a certificate of completion. Reading is essential to doing well in school. Please encourage as many young people as you can to read this summer. For more information, call the Aiken County Public Library at 642-2020 or go here.
Speaking with 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.
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.tomyoungforsenate.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 tom@tomyoungforsenate.com 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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