KEY ISSUES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Pro-Life. Pro-Gun. Pro-Freedom.
I'll always protect the commonsense, conservative values of the people of District 8.
Here are just a few of the things SC House Republicans have accomplished in my time.
I look forward to continuing our conservative work with your vote on June 11th!
LOWER TAXES
The 2022 state budget keeps the legislature’s promise to continue to cut the state’s income tax. It reduces the state income tax by $96 million in the second year of the income tax reduction plan. It also budgets for an additional $134 million in property tax cuts. In the past 30 years, the General Assembly has passed over $50 billion in tax cuts.
STOPING CRIME
I proudly sponsored the 2022 Trafficking in Fentanyl bill (signed by Governor), strengthening our state's laws against bringing this deadly drug into our state. Additionally, I sponsored the Bond Reform bill (signed by Governor) which will help make South Carolina a safer place for us to all raise our families by stopping the revolving door for repeat criminals. This bill creates sentence and bond enhancements for a person convicted of a violent crime while out on bond for a previous violent crime.
WORKFORCE READINESS
In 2022, I voted for H.3726, the "SC Education and Workforce Development Act," which aimed to prepare 60% of South Carolinians with postsecondary degrees or industry credentials by 2030 by mandating measures such as preparing high school students for college-level math and reading, and utilizing technical colleges for workforce training.
RAISE TEACHER PAY & EXPAND SCHOOL CHOICE
This past session, I voted to raise the minimum pay of K-12 public school teachers by $2,500. Starting teachers will be paid $42,500 – a 33% increase in base pay over the past five years.
Additionally, I believe nothing is more important than keeping children safe. The budget spends $27 million to fully fund a Safety Resource Officer (SRO) in every public school in the state. The Education Scholarship Trust Fund will provide eligible elementary and secondary students with scholarships to cover education expenses at the school of their choice, funded directly from the state budget.
PROTECT LIFE
The Legislature passed the “Heartbeat Bill” (signed by Governor) in 2022, reaffirming South Carolina’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable among us. The legislation ended South Carolina’s status as an abortion destination state. We will keep working to protect life and the health and well-being of women with the personal sponsorship of the "Human Life Protection Act."
SAFEGUARDING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS & MOST VULNERABLE
I proudly sponsored Gavin's Law in 2022 - a bill introduced by fellow freshman Rep. Brandon Guffey who tragically lost his 17 year old son to suicide after he was a victim of sexual extortion. This legislation (signed by the Governor) makes sexual extortion, the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos, a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime.
It's been one busy year, but the work isn't close to being over. Here's what I hope to accomplish for the residents of District 8 in my next term --
FIX OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES
I am working hard to ensure this critical infrastructure is a priority. Anderson County, you deserve quality roads that are not congested with traffic or littered with potholes. I currently serve on the Anderson County Transportation Committee, fighting in District 8 and in Columbia for better roads.
KEEP TAXES LOW
In my fourteen years on City Council, I never voted to raise your taxes. Anderson County, you can expect the same commitment from me as a State Representative. My goal is to reduce taxes for hard working families, allowing you to keep more of what you earn.
FIGHT FOR LIFE
I believe that life begins at conception. The lives of all, born and unborn, are sacred. You can rest assured that I will consistently be 100% pro life at the State House! I sponsored the "Human Life Protection Act" - a bill that passed with 83 fellow Republican votes in 2023.
DEFEND THE 2ND AMENDMENT
The Constitution is the fabric and framework of our great nation. Your 2A rights will not be encroached on. I am a lifetime member of the NRA and will fight against laws that only affect law-abiding gun owners and not deter criminals. I proudly sponsored the "S.C Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Act" in 2023.
PRESERVE LAKE LIVING
As a State Representative, I will protect and invest in Lake Hartwell’s water quality, natural areas, and parks. Our district can lead the way in creating recreational activities for all residents to enjoy. I regularly attend the Water Resources Committee meetings, as well as the Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water meetings. I am also a member and supporter of the Lake Hartwell Association.
PLAN RESPONSIBLY FOR GROWTH
I will work to ensure our community develops the right way. Working with local elected officials, we fight for proper infrastructure before growth and ensure Lake Hartwell is never harmed by over-development.
Here is what I have accomplished for the residents of District 8:
2023-2024 State Budget Highlights (passed in 2023)
Saved $1 Billion in Rainy Day Funds
Invested $590 Million More for Schools
Invested $450 Million More for Roads and Bridges
Raised Pay for Teachers
Increased Funds for Vets and Military Readiness
Raised Pay for Law Enforcement
Raised Pay for State Employees
Funded a School Resource Office for Every School
Froze Tuition Rates at Public Colleges
Increased Funds for Land Conservation
Increased Funds for Mental Health Programs
Constitutional Carry