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 2025 state budget keeps the legislature’s promise to continue to cut the state’s income tax. It reduces the state income tax by an additional $99 million in the third year of the income tax reduction plan. Last year's budget, I voted to cut $96 million in income taxes and an additional $134 million in property tax cuts. In the past 30 years, the General Assembly has passed over $50 billion in tax cuts.
PROTECTING OUR CONSTITUIONAL RIGHTS, STOPING CRIME, KEEPING OUR BORDERS SAFE, AND KEEPING CRIMINALS IN JAIL
In 2024, I Co-Sponsored our rights to Constitutional Carry law that is now law to protect our right to carry arms. I have also Co-Sponsored legislation that recommits our constitutional rights to Keep and Bear Arms that will protect our rights to carrying weapons and weapons accessories. During the term last year 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 & CREATING JOBS
During the current budget cycle, I have supported an $95 million to help prepare our workforce for jobs in the computer siceince, information technology, nursing, and, manufacturing industries. During 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. All of these efforts focu on improving our workforce to have workers prepared to meet the needs of high quality employers in our state to improve the quality of life of our citizens.
RAISE TEACHER PAY & EXPAND SCHOOL CHOICE
This year's budget includes $250 million in aid to class rooms and $115 million for instruction materials to increase teacher salaries and improve the resources to educate the children in our state. The result of the budeget support is raise the minimum pay of K-12 public school teachers by $2,500. Starting teachers will be paid $45,000 – a 41% increase in base pay over the past six years. Additionally, I believe nothing is more important than keeping children safe. The last year's budget spent $27 million to fully fund a Safety Resource Officer (SRO) in every public school in the state. This year we have included an additional $13 million to keep our schools safe. 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” in 2022, and signed by the Governor in 2024, 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. During the current session I have also Co-Sponsored several bills that protect our children including "Gender Reassignment Procedures" that prohibits procedures on anyone under 18 years old, the "Child Online Safety Act" that prohibits access of pornography to those under 18 years old, the "South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act" that restricts access to social media for minors during certain hours, and the "South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act" which protects public school restrooms only to used by students of the same sex. All of the laws are intended to protect our children, remove destructive procudures, and behaviors, and keep our children safe.
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. This year's 2025 budget includes $500 million dedicated to bridge improvements throughout the state. In addition, I have been able to direct improvements and resources for roads in District 8.
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, and have now helped lower taxes for our citizens for two years in a row. You can expect the same commitment from me as a State Representative and will relentlessly work towards lowering taxes. 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 that became law in 2024. Furthermore, I have Co-sponsored legislation that protects the "Right to Keep and Bear Arms" that protects the rights to carrying and weapons and weapon accessories
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.