The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year. I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:
Report on Children in South Carolina: Last week, the 2012 KIDS COUNT report was released showing that South Carolina is ranked 43rd in the nation as to the overall well-being of our state’s children. The report indicated South Carolina improved in 9 areas and declined in 6 areas. To see the numbers specific to South Carolina, go here. Many of these problems are the direct result of generational poverty in our state. Improving the overall educational attainment of our state’s citizens is critical to decreasing generational poverty in South Carolina. I will write more about this and seek input in several email updates later this year.
Congratulations to Senator Ryberg!: Congratulations to Senator Ryberg for his receiving the Order of Palmetto for his 20 years of service in the State Senate. Governor Haley came to Aiken last Wednesday to present it to him. Also, the local House of Representatives legislative delegation presented Senator Ryberg a House Resolution recognizing him for his years of service both to the state and to our community.
State Department of Transportation Update: SCDOT reports that its current financial status remains stable with a continued positive outlook. SCDOT continues to process validated invoices in a timely manner. All debt service and South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank payments are current. To see the presentation by SCDOT staff for the DOT Commission as to the agency’s overall financial situation, go here.
CNBC Top States for Business: CNBC released its 2012 annual rankings of the 50 states as to which are the best for business. South Carolina moved up from 39 in 2011 to 32 in 2012 (Number 31 in 2010). Our neighboring states North Carolina and Georgia are ranked numbers 4 and 9 respectively. To see the rankings and the criteria used in determining the rankings: click here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/46413845 to view the article and the 50 state rankings. Other publications in the past year have given our state higher marks. For example, go here to see one from last November.
Avondale Water System Update: As to the water system updates in Graniteville, the water line contractor is finishing up phase 2 which is water line work in the New Town and Vaucluse areas. The contractor is doing the tap work now. The VPSA Board recently lowered the sewer rate for customers in the Graniteville and Vaucluse areas. If you have questions, please call Calvin Smith at Valley Public Service Authority at 593-2053.
Grass Cutting in the SCDOT Right of Way: Grass is growing in right of ways around our district. DOT has staff cutting the grass. If you are aware of an area where high grass is obstructing vision for drivers as they enter or exit certain roads in our County, please call the SCDOT at 641-7665 or let me know and I will pass on the information.
No Email Update Next Week: I do not plan to send an email update next Monday, August 6. I do plan to send one on Monday, August 13.
Senate Campaign: We turned in our petition campaign signatures to the State Elections Commission. The Commission says that we will know no later than August 15 as to whether we qualify to be on the November 6 ballot as a petition candidate for Senate District 24. As of right now, I will still be on the ballot as the Republican nominee for Senate District 24.
THANK YOU!: Thank you to everyone who helped in my campaign’s petition drive to remain on the ballot for the November 6 election for State Senate.
End of Session Town Meetings: Like the past three years, I plan to hold end of session town meetings around the district. Based on constituent requests, I will hold those after the summer vacation season ends. The dates, times, and locations will be provided in future updates.
Pre-Engineering Opportunity: There is a pre-engineering opportunity for high school students through Aiken Technical College. Go here to learn more.
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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