Overview Hearings about the future of our state-owned utility Santee Cooper kicked off this week in the House with a special ad hoc committee of nine of my House colleagues. The committee, chaired by Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith, heard from members of the Department of Administration, NextEra Energy, Dominion Energy, Santee Cooper and Central/Co-Ops. Committee meetings will continue next week, and I remain committed to hearing more about this issue. Business License Reform Passes (H. 4431) I was proud to vote with every single one of my fellow members to unanimously pass the Business License Reform bill. This bill streamlines the application process for businessmen and women by setting up a single application and set renewal date, along with a uniform website where payments can be made. The legislation ensures that South Carolina is the best place to run a business. This bill was supported by the SC Chamber of Commerce and many other industry trade groups. Read more here. Other Legislative News: Remember when we passed our education reform bill over a year ago in the House? The Senate has been debating it for over eight weeks this year and has still yet to pass anything. We have continued to send education bills over to them in order to get meaningful education reform legislation passed this year. Strengthening Read to Succeed: (H. 4761) After listening to teachers and collaborating with the Department of Education, I voted for a bill that strengthens the Read to Succeed program. This legislation significantly cuts down the number of screeners the Department of Education offers and provides consistency across the board. It also provides reading coaches and interventionists to the schools that need it most. Teaching Programs: (H. 4758) I also voted this week to improve higher education programs and give young teachers the tools they in order to be better prepared to enter the classroom. Congratulations Current House member from Charleston, Rep. Peter McCoy, has been nominated by President Trump to be the next U.S. Attorney from SC. Peter, it’s been a pleasure serving with you. We know you will make South Carolina proud! Did you know? 571 children were adopted in SC in 2019! The Department of Social Services has reported that it had the highest number of adoptions in over 5 years. That is a 23% increase in adoptions from 2018 to 2019. Don’t forget! You have until October 1st to get your REAL ID from the SCDMV. I urge you not to wait until the last minute, the DMV is expecting the lines to be longer the closer the deadline gets. After the deadline you will need a REAL ID to fly commercially or enter a federal building. Learn the requirements on the DMV website. Keep up with the SC House GOP Caucus on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo of the Week: It was a huge honor to recognize the Chester Future Farmers of America who visited the State House on Wednesday! This past week was National FFA Week. Thank a farmer!
I'm here to serve you. If you have questions about the legislative session, or any other matter, please call me any time at (803) 323-8146 or email randy@randyligonforstatehouse.com.
It is an honor to represent you in the S.C. House!
With sincere gratitude,
Randy Ligon
State Representative
(803) 323-8146
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