The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

South Carolina Lottery:  Recently, the SC Lottery Commission posted an updated historical analysis of the appropriated lottery revenue.  For fiscal year 2012, $233.8 Million went to higher education and $34.5 Million went to K-12 education.  To see the full detailed list of appropriations back to 2002, go here.

Silver Bluff Road Widening:  On Tuesday of last week, I attended the public information meeting for the widening of Silver Bluff Road from Richardson’s Lake Road back toward the City of Aiken.  Several hundred residents attended. For those of you who were unable to attend last week’s meeting, public comments can be submitted until October 3, 2012. The plan can be viewed at http://www.scdot.org/inside/publichearings.aspx. Comments can be faxed to 803.737.1510 or emailed to GanttKI@scdot.org.  The links for the information provided by DOT before the meeting are as follows:

SC 302 Silver Bluff Road:  http://www.scdot.org/inside/pdfs/PublicHearings/302_handout.pdf
Display of Proposed Work: http://www.scdot.org/inside/pdfs/PublicHearings/302_display.pdf

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.

Save for College – Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan:  South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan Future Scholar offers special tax benefits for South Carolina residents including:

• Tax –deductible contributions from your state income tax return;
• Tax-deferred growth potential year after year;
• Tax-free withdrawals provided that funds are used for qualified higher education expenses.

To learn more or to enroll, go to www.FutureScholar.com/parents.

Voter Registration:  To vote in the November 6 election, you must be registered to vote by October 6. To learn more, go here.

Unemployment Numbers for August:  In August, Aiken County unemployment rate dropped ½ % from 8.9% in July to 8.4% in August. A year ago the level was at 9.1%. August statewide average unemployment was 9.6%.

Other Local News

Chukker Creek School Traffic:  Last Fall, Rep. Bill Taylor, Senator Ryberg, and I requested SCDOT to look at how to improve the traffic problems at the beginning and the end of the school day at Chukker Creek Elementary School.  Earlier this year, SCDOT recommended improvements and did some of them on its own. The Aiken County School District and the Aiken County Transportation Committee are jointly addressing additional improvements.

Planning for the 2013 Legislative Session:  The 2013 legislative session begins on the second Tuesday in January.  If elected to the State Senate, 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; 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.

Free Goals and Communications Seminar for High School and College Students:  This event, sponsored by the Aiken Jaycees, will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at USC Aiken in Penland 106.  To learn more and to register, go here.

Opt Out of Prescreened Offers of Credit:  To opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit in the mail, go to www.optoutprescreen.com.

Upcoming Meetings

Dates for End of Session Town Meetings: Currently, I have two town meetings set as follows:

• Wednesday, October 3 at 6:00 pm at Odell Weeks Center in Aiken;
• Tuesday, October 2 at 4:00 pm at Woodside Plantation Reserve Club House in Aiken.

Education – Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer in Local Schools:  If you would like to help with educating our children, consider volunteering in our local schools.  Please click here for more information on volunteer opportunities in our public schools. Thank you to our local Aiken Downtown Rotary Club for putting together this list of opportunities.

Improving Reading Skills in Children:  In addition to serving as a volunteer in one of our local schools, you can also help with early literacy by volunteering with Children’s Place where you can spend time reading with a young child or helping an older child with reading. Children’s Place would also be grateful for donations of lightly used books to send into the homes of needy children.  Children’s Place will gladly help distribute those books to low income children throughout Aiken County by sharing them with all community agencies.  If you are interested in helping through Children’s Place, please contact Peggy Ford at 641-4145.

Senate Campaign Update

Senate Campaign:  Here is the latest on the Campaign for Senate District 24:

• Bumper stickers for “Tom Young for Senate” are available.  They may be picked up at my office downtown at 409 Park Avenue SW; at the Tom Young Allstate agency on Whiskey Road next to Home Depot; or at Hixon Insurance in North Augusta.  If you prefer, I can send a sticker to you.  Just let me know.
• The following communities in Aiken County are in Senate District 24: most of Aiken, North Augusta, Warrenville, Gloverville, Montmorenci, Couchton, New Ellenton, Jackson, Windsor, and Beech Island.
• To learn more about my campaign for State Senate, go to www.tomyoungforsenate.com, email me at tom@tomyoungforsenate.com, or call me at 215-3631.

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 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

The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

State Government — AnalysisState Budget – 35 cents of Every Dollar?: In our state’s current fiscal year budget, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) receives $2.136 Billion and the Department of Social Services (DSS) receives $5.938 Billion.  That is nearly $8.1 Billion out of the total state budget from all funding sources (state and federal) of $23 Billion.  This means that approximately 35 cents of every dollar spent in state government goes to one of these two agencies. In one year, the budget for these two agencies increased by almost $200 Million combined dollars from the previous year.  Further, did you know that the above-referenced numbers include Medicaid and food stamps where our state is spending approximately $100 Million per week?  That is $5.2 Billion per year.  Compare these numbers to the following:  The state Department of Education (K-12) receives $3.67 Billion and the Department of Transportation (roads and bridges) receives $1.4 Billion.  To search for allocations by agency, go here.

Social Costs of High School Dropouts:  One reason – not the sole reason – that we are spending increasing amounts of money at DHHS and DSS is because of the social costs from many of our high school dropouts.   For this reason, I have supported legislation to incentivize young people to stay in school and finish high school.  Unfortunately, the “Drop Out of High School – No Drive Until Turn 18” bill died in the Senate in 2012.  In addition, this is why these email updates frequently emphasize the importance of reading skills in helping more young people finish high school and in ending generational poverty.  (To see the report as to why it is so important for our children to be able to read at grade level by the 3rd grade, go here)

Skin in the Game?:  After reading the above and seeing the numbers being spent, there should be no surprise that a growing number of people want to see more accountability in the social programs which our government is funding.  For that reason, I have supported legislation to increase accountability for people receiving government benefits. These bills include the following:

• Fail Drug Test from Prospective Employer then No Unemployment Benefits – died in Senate in 2012;
• Drug Testing Before Receiving Welfare Assistance – failed to pass either House or Senate in 2012.

As to drug testing before receiving welfare assistance, constitutional issues were raised regarding this legislation.  Nevertheless, at least 7 states passed similar legislation in the past 18 months.  To learn more as to what other states have done, go here.  I believe that there is a way both to increase accountability and to pass constitutional requirements.

Feedback on the Above:  In sum, the big picture is our spending on social programs is unsustainable.  In South Carolina, we spend more money each year on food stamps and Medicaid than we do on K-12 education and roads and bridges combined.  We have too many people in the wagon and not enough pulling.  The solution includes, but is not limited to, increasing the education level of our citizens and implementing accountability requirements as part of getting government assistance.  If you have thoughts, ideas, or questions related to the above, please let me know by responding to this email at tom@tomyoungforsenate.com.

Other Local News
Congratulations to USC Aiken!:  Last week, USCA learned that it is again number one among public regional colleges in the South as ranked by US News and World Report.  This is the 9th time and 5th year in a row for this accomplishment.  The news release can be seen here.

Special Recognitions Last Week:  Last week, I presented the family of Jones Bowen a certificate from the House of Representatives recognizing Mr. Bowen posthumously for his outstanding contributions to children’s safety in South Carolina.  Additionally, I presented Catharine Adams a certificate at Warrenville Elementary School.  Ms. Adams – “Grandma” as she is affectionately called by the students and staff – has worked for 54 consecutive years in the school cafeteria.

Planning for the 2013 Legislative Session:  The 2013 legislative session begins on the second Tuesday in January.  If elected to the State Senate, 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; 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.

Free Goals and Communications Seminar for High School and College Students:  This event, sponsored by the Aiken Jaycees, will be held Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at USC Aiken in Penland 106.  To learn more and to register, go here.

Upcoming MeetingsSilver Bluff Road Widening – DOT Meeting:  A public information meeting for the widening of Silver Bluff Road from Richardson’s Lake Road back toward the City of Aiken be held at the Town Creek Baptist Church tomorrow (September 18th) from 5 -7 pm.   The City and the DOT advise that this meeting is important as this project moves closer to the right of way phase.  DOT provided the following as information before the meeting:

• SC 302 Silver Bluff Road:   http://www.scdot.org/inside/pdfs/PublicHearings/302_handout.pdf
• Display of Proposed Work: http://www.scdot.org/inside/pdfs/PublicHearings/302_display.pdf

Dates for End of Session Town Meetings: Currently, I have two town meetings set as follows:

• Wednesday, October 3 at 6:00 pm at Odell Weeks Center in Aiken;
• Tuesday, October 2 at 4:00 pm at Woodside Plantation Reserve Club House in Aiken.

Education – Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer in Local Schools:  If you would like to help with educating our children, consider volunteering in our local schools.  Please click here for more information on volunteer opportunities in our public schools. Thank you to our local Aiken Downtown Rotary Club for putting together this list of opportunities.

Improving Reading Skills in Children:  In addition to serving as a volunteer in one of our local schools, you can also help with early literacy by volunteering with Children’s Place where you can spend time reading with a young child or helping an older child with reading. Children’s Place would also be grateful for donations of lightly used books to send into the homes of needy children.  Children’s Place will gladly help distribute those books to low income children throughout Aiken County by sharing them with all community agencies.  If you are interested in helping through Children’s Place, please contact Peggy Ford at 641-4145.

Senate Campaign UpdateSenate Campaign:  Here is the latest on the Campaign for Senate District 24:

• Bumper stickers for “Tom Young for Senate” are available.  They may be picked up at my office downtown at 409 Park Avenue SW; at the Tom Young Allstate agency on Whiskey Road next to Home Depot; or at Hixon Insurance in North Augusta.  If you prefer, I can send a sticker to you.  Just let me know.
• The following communities in Aiken County are in Senate District 24: most of Aiken, North Augusta, Warrenville, Gloverville, Montmorenci, Couchton, New Ellenton, Jackson, Windsor, and Beech Island.
• To learn more about my campaign for State Senate, go to www.tomyoungforsenate.com, email me at tom@tomyoungforsenate.com, or call me at 215-3631.

Constituent InformationSpeaking 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

The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

National DebtFederal Government Debt (“The National Debt”):  As I talk with people from around the district, many people know that the federal government has significant debt.  However, most people do not appreciate the magnitude of that debt or what it means to all of us.  Therefore, much of this update will provide information on this most important topic.

How Much is the Federal Government’s Debt?:  Currently, the Federal Government’s debt is nearly $16 trillion.  This is an astounding sum of money.  It is increasing at a rate of $3.8 Billion a day.  To put it in perspective, it would pay the rent for every renter in the United States for 45 years or it would pay the mortgage of every homeowner in the country for the next 17.5 years.  The 2011 deficit of $1.3 Trillion was the same size as the entire federal budget in 1996.  According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “Our national debt is the greatest threat to our nation’s long term security.”   To see the debt clock, go here.

Current Federal Spending:  In fiscal year 2011, the federal government spent $3.6 trillion, amounting to 24 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Of that $3.6 trillion, $2.2 trillion was financed by federal tax revenues, and $83 billion by excess profits on assets held by the Federal Reserve. The remaining $1.3 trillion was financed by borrowing; this deficit will ultimately be paid for by future taxpayers. The areas of spending are as follows:

1. Defense and International Security Assistance — $718 Billion – 20 percent of budget
2. Social Security — $731 Billion – 20 percent of budget
3. Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program — $769 Billion – 21 percent of budget
4. Safety Net Programs (non-health insurance and social security) – aid to individuals and families — $466 Billion – 13 percent of budget – (This includes food stamps, supplemental security income for elderly or disabled poor, school meals, housing assistance
5. Interest on the National Debt — $230 Billion – 6 percent of budget
6. Other – $700 Billion – 20 percent – (This includes providing health care and other benefits to veterans and retirement benefits to retired federal employees, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Department of Education, scientific and medical research, and basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports).

Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report: Last week, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its annual report on the federal budget and its corresponding economic forecast.  The report provides data on two scenarios:  (1) the CBO baseline projection based on current law with tax increases and spending cuts currently planned for January 2013 and (2) the CBO alternative fiscal scenario based on whether lawmakers allow current policies on taxes and spending to remain in effect.  My summary is below.  To see the full report, go here.

CBO Baseline Projection:  Under the baseline projection, changes in taxes and spending are scheduled to take place in January 2013.  If those changes come to pass, they will boost tax revenues and cut spending, yielding a deficit in 2013 almost $500 billion less than the $1.1 trillion shortfall projected for 2012. In addition, unemployment will increase.  In CBO’s judgment, the sharp increases in federal taxes and reductions in federal spending that, under current law, are scheduled to begin in calendar year 2013 are likely to interrupt the recent economic progress resulting in what will probably be considered a recession in 2013.

CBO Alternative Fiscal Scenario:  Under the alternative fiscal scenario, federal lawmakers later this year extend existing tax cuts with no significant reduction in spending.  In doing so, the CBO predicts that deficits will be much larger and debt will climb to nearly 90 percent of GDP by 2022. Real GDP would be higher in the first few years of the projection period than in CBO’s baseline economic forecast, and the unemployment rate would be lower. However, the persistence of large budget deficits and rapidly escalating federal debt would hinder national saving and investment, thus reducing GDP and income relative to the levels that would occur with smaller deficits. In the later part of the projection period, the economy would grow more slowly than in CBO’s baseline, and interest rates would be higher. Ultimately, the policies assumed in the alternative fiscal scenario would lead to a level of federal debt that would be unsustainable from both a budgetary and an economic perspective.

CBO Director’s Comments:  At the press conference to announce the above, CBO Director Doug Elmendorf says that taxpayers will have to either pay “significantly” more in taxes or accept less in the way of government services, as current deficits are “unsustainable.”  He also urged federal lawmakers to find a way to get the government’s long-term debt problems under control noting the current economic issues facing countries in Europe. He said their experiences demonstrate that “waiting to make decisions until action is forced ends badly.”

Impact on South Carolina:  In view of the above, it is critically important for our state to be prepared for budget cuts in terms of money coming from the Federal Government and for significant constrictions on the ability to borrow money for capital projects.  We should have a contingency plan in place for how South Carolina’s state government will deal with the challenges presented by problems with the Federal Government associated with the debt.  Therefore, in the coming months, I am working with other state elected officials in these areas.  I am also urging our elected federal representatives to act and not delay any longer in addressing the debt.

State GovernmentUnemployment Numbers:  Numbers have just been released for July. Aiken County is 8.4% down from 8.9% in June. July 2011 numbers were 8.7%.  The state average is 9.6%. The state average increased from June to July by .2%. Unemployment nationwide rose to 8.3% from 8.2% in June.

Planning for the 2013 Legislative Session:  The 2013 legislative session begins on the second Tuesday in January.  If elected to the State Senate, 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; 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 at your convenience.

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.

Other Topics of InterestSilver Bluff Road Widening – DOT Meeting:  A public information meeting for the widening of Silver Bluff Road from Richardson’s Lake Road back toward the City of Aiken be held at the Town Creek Baptist Church on September 18th from 5 -7 pm.   The City and the DOT advise that this meeting is important as this project moves closer to the right of way phase.

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.

Aiken Senior Extravaganza 2012:  The City of Aiken will have its annual Aiken Senior Extravaganza again on Wednesday, September 19 at the H. Odell Weeks Center from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The event offers seniors, and those interested in issues facing seniors, an opportunity to spend a day in educational seminars and to browse the display fair. The educational seminars will be limited to the first 300 people to register including a t-shirt and catered lunch with Keynote speaker. The Health Fair and displays will be open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Age: 50 and over: Cost: FREE : Wednesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 642-7631.

Free Small Business Workshop:  The Aiken Small Business Development Center is offering a free tax workshop for prospective and new small business owners. The workshop will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, in the Business and Education Building, Conference Room 124 at USC Aiken.  The Small Business Tax Workshop contains general information about different types of business organizations, record keeping requirements and business tax returns.  The employment tax segment provides an overview of Forms 940, 941 & 944, including e-file and EFTPS due dates. There is also a discussion on Employee Classification (Employee vs. Independent Contractor). Classes are taught by instructors who are qualified to practice before the IRS (Enrolled Agents and Certified Public Accountants) and by SCDOR and SCDEW Revenue Agents.  To register for the workshop or for more information, please contact the Small Business Development Center via e-mail: SBDC@usca.edu or by telephone: 803-641-3646.

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 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

The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

Best Wishes for the New School Year:  Thousands of students and teachers across our district start school this week.  While most schools may have been closed the past couple of months, our teachers have been working toward this week where they will greet their students with the same passion, dedication, and concern which they always bring to the profession.  I suspect most everyone reading this column can think of the teachers who made a difference in their lives somewhere along the way. Good, caring teachers and an emphasis on the basics are critical to the future of our state and our nation.

Importance of Reading:  During the past two years, I have written several columns in this email update about the importance of reading in the effort to end generational poverty.  Last year, a report was released finding that one in six children who are not reading proficiently in third grade do not graduate from high school – 4 times the rate of those who can read at grade level in the third grade. This report emphasizes why it is so important for our children to be able to read at grade level by the third grade. To see the report, go here. As school starts back this week, I appreciate all input that you may have on this important topic.

State Department of Transportation Budget Framework:  SCDOT released a power point last week outlining its budget framework.  SCDOT has over $1.4 Billion in its budget.  South Carolina’s state gas tax is 16.75 cents per gallon.  In Fiscal Year 2011-2012, the gross collections from the state gas tax on gasoline and diesel fuel were $563.8 Million.  The net portion of this going to SCDOT for its budget was $418.8 Million.  To see the full Power Point, go here.

Planning for 2013 Legislative Session:  The 2013 legislative session convenes on the second Tuesday in January.  If elected to the State Senate, 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; job growth; and the underfunded liabilities in our state’s health insurance program for state retirees.  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.

Scholarships Earned by Graduating High School Students:  Last week, the South Carolina Department of Education announced the Class of 2012 was the first group to earn more than $1 billion ($1,063,112,048) in college scholarships since the state began tracking the information.  The scholarship totals came from an annual survey of South Carolina school districts, as well as district-sponsored public charter schools, the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.  The numbers represent two-year scholarship values for technical colleges and two-year schools, and four-year totals for four-year colleges and universities.  The previous five years’ scholarship totals were $684 million (2007), $767 million (2008), $869 million (2009), $917 million (2010) and $966 million (2011). Since 2007, graduating South Carolina students have earned $5.226 billion in college scholarships.

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.

Other Topics of Interest
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.

Aiken Senior Extravaganza 2012:  The City of Aiken will have its annual Aiken Senior Extravaganza again on Wednesday, September 19 at the H. Odell Weeks Center from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The event offers seniors, and those interested in issues facing seniors, an opportunity to spend a day in educational seminars and to browse the display fair. The educational seminars will be limited to the first 300 people to register including a t-shirt and catered lunch with Keynote speaker. The Health Fair and displays will be open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Age: 50 and over: Cost: FREE : Wednesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 642-7631.

First Tee of Aiken:  On Saturday, August 25, the First Tee of Aiken is hosting its open house and demo day at Houndslake Country Club.  The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, 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 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

The House of Representatives is out of session for the rest of the year.  I hope that you find this update helpful and informative:

2012 Legislative Session – Detailed Legislation Summary:  Recently, staff at the House of Representatives prepared a comprehensive summary of significant legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2012 session.  To see that summary, go here.

Yucca Mountain Update:  The Federal Government’s decision to abandon the Yucca Mountain project as a final repository for nuclear waste is a big issue to those of us in Aiken County and South Carolina. Two years ago, Aiken County and the State of South Carolina took legal action to prevent any federal government action to stop the Yucca Mountain program without congressional approval.   On August 3, a federal appeals court ruled that Congress has until December 14 to clarify whether or not it will appropriate more money to the Yucca project.  If Congress does not act or does not appropriate more money, then the appeals court will rule whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must move forward with its responsibilities as to Yucca Mountain.  This is positive news for Aiken County and South Carolina as many people work to ensure that high level spent nuclear waste currently stored at SRS does not remain there permanently.

Technical Colleges:  South Carolina has several technical colleges located around the state.  These colleges are critical in preparing our state’s workforce for maintaining existing industry and attracting new companies to our state. Some interesting statistics about our S.C. Technical Colleges are as follows:

• 2010-2011 annualized total enrollment was 210,948;
• 52% of all undergraduates in SC public higher education were enrolled in a SC Technical College in Fall 2011;
• 96% of all students enrolled in SC Technical Colleges in Fall 2011 were SC residents;
• 85% of Technical College students remain in SC upon graduation.

Great Advice for New College Students:  Last August, I posted an article about advice that Coach Jay Mills, Head Football Coach at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, S.C., provided to his son as he went off to college.  Many parents and grandparents thanked me for sharing it so I am posting it again this August.  I think it is very good advice for any young person going out on his or her own.  To see the article, go here.

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.

Senate Campaign UpdateSenate Campaign:  As reported last Monday, we were successful in our Petition Campaign in June and early July!  As of right now, I will be listed as both the Republican nominee and as a Petition candidate for Senate District 24.  Thus, even if another court decision between now and the November 6 election removes more candidates from the ballot and I am impacted by that decision as the Republican nominee, then I will still be on the ballot as a Petition candidate 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.

Other Topics of InterestEnd 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.

Congratulations to Aiken’s The Willcox!:  Recently, The Willcox in Aiken was named number 32 on the list of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel & Leisure magazine.  The property was also chosen as one of the Top 50 Small Hotels in America by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. To learn more about The Willcox, go here: www.thewillcox.com.

Aiken Senior Extravaganza 2012:  The City of Aiken will have its annual Aiken Senior Extravaganza again on Wednesday, September 19 at the H. Odell Weeks Center from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The event offers seniors, and those interested in issues facing seniors, an opportunity to spend a day in educational seminars and to browse the display fair. The educational seminars will be limited to the first 300 people to register including a t-shirt and catered lunch with Keynote speaker. The Health Fair and displays will be open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Age: 50 and over: Cost: FREE : Wednesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 642-7631.

Leadership Aiken County:  This group of leaders from across Aiken County is hosting a fundraiser this Thursday, August 16 at Newberry Hall to raise money to provide (1) grants of up to $500 for secondary education teachers to encourage the study of science, math, engineering and technology and (2) engineering scholarships to Aiken Tech. To learn more, go here.

Police Athletic League 5K:  The Aiken Young Professionals and the Aiken Dept of Public Safety will host a 5k this Friday night, August 17th at Citizens Park in Aiken.  The proceeds from this event will go to the Police Athletic League, a charity created by ADPS to get kids into sports.  To learn more, go here.

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.

Constituent InformationSpeaking 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