The Senate is out of session and will meet tomorrow at noon for a one day organizational session in preparation for the 2013 session. I hope that you find this update helpful and informative.
Roads and Bridges: The S.C. Department of Transportation maintains the fourth largest highway system in the nation comprised of 41,460 center line miles and 8,357 bridges. The DOT’s primary funding source is the 16 cents per gallon motor fuel user fee which was last adjusted in 1987. Last week, the DOT released a report outlining that South Carolina has $30 Billion in infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. To see the report, go here.
Roads and Bridges — Perspective: South Carolina needs a dedicated source of funding for road and bridge maintenance and improvements. Strengthening South Carolina’s infrastructure will benefit our state for the long term and provide us with a competitive advantage over other states in our effort to keep existing businesses and to attract new and expanding businesses. Since 2009, the General Assembly stepped up multiple times to make the Port of Charleston as strong as it can be with the most recent commitment being the $300 Million approved in this year’s budget for the Port’s necessary and anticipated harbor deepening. Now, the General Assembly must turn its attention to our roads and bridges. The continued growth in Medicaid funding requirements will present challenges as policy makers consider how to pay for Medicaid growth and still meet other needs in our state including those of public education and road and bridge infrastructure. We need strong leadership from both the Governor and the General Assembly on this issue. The DOT report referenced above describes the situation and offers possible solutions for consideration by the Governor, the General Assembly, and the public. I am working with other General Assembly members on initiatives to meet these and other challenges facing our state. Your input is appreciated and valued. Please email me back or contact me by phone or in person.
Aiken County Economic Development Efforts: A recent article in SC Biz magazine highlights the economic development potential of Aiken County. To see the article, go here.
Feedback for 2013 Legislative Session: The 2013 legislative session begins January 8. I appreciate 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; roads and bridges; job growth; and the underfunded 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.
Latest on Cyber Attack
Who is Impacted?: According to Governor Haley, the DOR has now determined whose information was stolen and impacted residents and non-residents will receive letters of confirmation during the next two weeks.
Minor Children and Dependents: If you enrolled with Experian’s ProtectMyID since late October when offered by the state and you provided an email, then you should have received an email allowing you to enroll your minor children. If you did not provide an email when registering, then you should receive a letter within the next two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Governor’s office has prepared several groups of questions and answers as indicated below by category:
- Experian Family Secure – To see those, go here.
- Cyber Attack – To see those, go here and here.
- Senior Citizens — To see those, go here.
- How to Place a Security Freeze: To see how to place a security freeze, go here.
Constituent Information
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 Senator 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.
Small Business Help – SC Dept. of Commerce: The South Carolina Department of Commerce has helpful information for small business owners and employees. To learn more, go to http://sccommerce.com/sc-business-network.
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.
Thoroughbred Country– South Carolina Regional Tourism Organization: To learn more about tourism in the four county region of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell, visit www.tbredcountry.org.
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.
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