As you can probably tell, it’s another election year and I am seeking another term. With your support, I look forward to returning to Columbia to continue working for you. As Chair of the State House K-12 Education Sub-Committee, I have taken a lead role in working on issues which affect our schools, both locally and statewide. Along with working on education issues, I’m hard at work on other issues which affect us in the Fort Mill area, such as tax relief, roads and supporting public safety. Here is some of what I’ve been working on at the State House:

Education Reform: In addition to writing and passing legislation regarding school safety, I have helped lead efforts to raise teacher pay. Two years of back-to-back raises have teachers in South Carolina earning above the Southeastern average (and often much more than N.C. teachers!). I have also been working to reduce the amount of standardized testing and red tape that keeps good teachers from teaching and discourages innovation in the classroom!

Delivering Tax Relief: I was proud to support this year’s successful effort to reduce state income tax rates and fund a state taxpayer rebate, welcome relief in these tough times. These steps were long overdue and I will work to help deliver more tax relief in the years to come.

Impact Fees and Managing Growth: I wrote the budget proviso that allowed the Fort Mill School District impact fee to be created and have stood 110% behind the efforts to defend it in court. This impact fee will help fund needed school construction from new development instead of increasing tax burdens upon homeowners. I also work with our local elected officials to look for other ways state laws can be amended to get growth under control.

Improving Roads: Serving on the House Education and Public Works Committee, which oversees SCDOT and transportation issues, I am working to help address our local road needs. I supported the SCDOT reform bill which reformed the agency and provided millions for new roads. I was proud to support state funding for several projects which are going to rebuild most of Fort Mill’s interchanges with I-77: SC 160, Carowinds Boulevard and Gold Hill Road. As there are still many needs for our area, I will continue to work to find solutions.

Supporting Public Safety and Veterans: I have worked closely with our local law enforcement and first responder agencies to support their needs. I also led the effort to place a POW/MIA memorial at the State House.

As we work to recover from these difficult times, my priorities will be to continue keeping an eye on long-term priorities such as education, job creation, tax reform and improving our regional roads. I’d be honored to have your vote for another term!

As with any job, feedback is important. To do the best job I can for you, I need to know what’s on your mind, so please keep in touch with me. You can reach me with your concerns and questions anytime at 803.547.6715 or by emailing me at [email protected]t. You can also visit my District 26 Facebook page and sign up for updates.

 

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