The Senate is out of session and will convene January 8th for the 2013 session. 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. Cherish our children for whom we strive to make a better future in our state and nation. 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 Senate.
“Meaning of Christmas” Message from Former President Reagan: Thirty-one 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.
Senate Organizational Session: Last Wednesday, the Senate met for its organizational session in anticipation for the 2013 session starting on January 8. During the session, I received my committee assignments which are as follows: Judiciary; Agriculture and Natural Resources; Corrections and Penology; Fish, Game, and Forestry; and the General (DSS and National Guard issues) Committee. Also, the Lt. Governor appointed me as the Senate appointment to the Governor’s Nuclear Advisory Committee.
Major Economic Development Project in North Augusta: The city of North Augusta announced a major economic development project this morning involving the city’s riverfront. To learn more, go here.
SC Health Rankings: South Carolina is 46th in the nation when it comes to the health of our citizens. The costs associated with chronic health problems continue to burden our state. The report notes that we have a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes and a high percentage of children living in poverty. This is another statistic confirming my view that the greatest challenge that we face as a state is how to overcome the problems associated with generational poverty. To see the latest rankings, 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
Consumer Affairs Recommendations: On Monday, the SC Department of Consumer Affairs released recommendations for what to do when there is a security breach impacting your personal identity information. To see that information, go here.
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.senatortomyoung.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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