S.C. House Speaker Murrell Smith made his annual trip to Greenville on January 8th to speak at the First Monday luncheon at the Poinsett Club.  His presentation could reasonably be considered a “State of the State” speech and, as it does every year, was presented to a sell-out crowd in a packed room.  

Speaker Smith labelled the agenda laid out for the 2023-2024 legislative session “aggressive”.  Yet he reports that “the vast majority” of the items on that agenda have been accomplished.

Most Conservative Legislative Session Ever

The attitude of the House Republicans is “Promises made are promises kept.”  

Those promises included initiatives to prepare students for the workforce, to reduce government intervention, to promote conservative values, and to ensure the safety and stability of our communities.

Staying focused on those values, the Speaker says, has laid the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous state.  That includes:  

● Improving statewide economic development to ensure prosperity for all South Carolinians;

● Reforming our education system so students are better prepared for the workplace;

● Limiting government by implementing fiscal discipline and responsibility;

● Increasing personal freedom and encouraging conservative values;

● Prioritizing public safety and making law and order a top priority.

Specific Changes

The Certificate of Need (CON) requirement that prohibits healthcare providers from building new facilities or expanding services has been repealed.  That will allow for more options in healthcare with less cost to patients.

The Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act protects life beginning with the first heartbeat and bans abortions after a heartbeat is detected except in cases of rape, incest, danger to the life of the mother, and fatal fetal anomalies.

Critical Race Theory has no place in our classrooms. The Transparency and Integrity in Education Act was passed in the House, and awaits the Senate vote.  The Act will prevent the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools and ensure students learn a broad scope of history without being indoctrinated through a liberal lens.

Expanding School Choice, a new law has been enacted that includes an Education Scholarship Trust Fund, to provide eligible elementary and secondary students with scholarships to cover education expenses at the school of their choice.  This is a critical step to creating a more equitable education system in South Carolina, empowering parents to make the best educational choice for their children.  The House also passed an Open Enrollment bill, which allows students to attend a public school outside of their zip code in order to best fit their education needs.

Constitutional Carry

Constitutional Carry has been passed by the House:  the Second Amendment Preservation Act ensures that South Carolinians have the right to carry firearms openly or concealed with limited restrictions and imposes tough penalties on felons who unlawfully carry firearms. The Act also includes language to keep firearms out of felons’ hands.  

Fentanyl Is Now Illegal

Trafficking in fentanyl is now a criminal offense, with increased penalties.

Bond Reform – End Catch-and-Release

This change to criminal law enhances sentencing for a convicted criminal who commits additional crimes while out on bond.

Banning ESG

Passed by the House, this bill requires the State’s pension system to invest funds in investment opportunities solely based on maximizing returns, with no regard to Environmental-Social-Governance goals.

The State Budget

Since Republicans took over the Legislature 25 years ago, the General Assembly has passed over $44 billion in tax cuts.  This has meant $100 million staying with working families and many of the small businesses across the state.  That included reducing the income tax rate for all working residents in 2021.

The House has continued a trend of prioritizing PEOPLE, not PROGRAMS in last year’s budget.  We have all seen the disaster that is “Bidenomics” – runaway, out-of-control inflation that is suffocating many Americans.

South Carolina fights that by putting more money in taxpayers’ pockets and taking less money for state agencies.

The State budget remained fiscally responsible, while also providing our citizens the core functions of government, including public safety, education and infrastructure.  

Budget Highlights Included: 

● Saved $1 Billion in Rainy Day funds;

● Historic Investment to State Aid to Classrooms and Capital Funding for Schools;

● Invested $450 Million More for Roads and Bridges;

● Raised Pay for Teachers;

● Funded a School Resource Office for Every School;

● Increased Funds for Vets and Military Readiness;

● Raised Pay for Law Enforcement;

● Raised Pay for State Employees;

● Froze Tuition Rates at Public Colleges;

● Increased Funds for Land Conservation.

Looking Forward

In 2024 other priorities will be addressed:  

● Further expand access to parental choice;

● Protect the Health and Safety of our Children;

● Judicial Merit Selection Commission Reform;

● Access to Childcare.

Economy and Jobs

An Ad-Hoc Committee has been created:  the Economic Development and Utility Modernization.  

South Carolina has been seeing record-breaking growth over the past few years. It is essential to focus on several important issues to keep that momentum going.  

South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the nation, with a 1.7% growth rate.  

In 2030 up to 12 congressional seats may relocate from “blue” states to southeastern “red” states like South Carolina.

The Speaker believes the State has made significant progress in being prepared to attract prosperous businesses, large and small, as well as to prepare our people for new opportunities.  

South Carolina placed second in the nation in terms of ease of doing business.  That has included  site readiness programs, faster permitting, business incentive programs, and workforce training.

For the fourth consecutive year, South Carolina was named the #1 state for manufacturing.  It also ranked among the top states for EV industry and automotive investment.  

CNBC polls show South Carolina’s economy has moved up from 13th to 7th place, and its infrastructure has moved up from 27th to 7th place.

The State government, the Speaker says, is committed to fostering the best business environment in the country, because the environment will then provide good jobs to the State’s citizens.

2023 has been a record-breaking year for South Carolina.  Announcements include a $1.3 BILLION economic investment and 750 new jobs at AESC in Florence and e-VAC Magnetics in Sumter.  

These investments and the many to come will transform our economy, bringing increased opportunities and prosperity to South Carolina.

Building the Future

The Speaker envisions TWO overriding needs that must be met for South Carolina to continue to realize this level of economic success.

We must generate more power to support the influx of businesses and residents.  That power has to be reliable and as inexpensive as possible.

We must have a workforce that is prepared for the jobs coming to this state.  South Carolina industry needs to employ South Carolina workers.

New Supporting Legislation 

New legislation will increase workforce development opportunities, remove barriers to get to work, improve infrastructure and modernize the education pipeline.

(1) The Statewide Education and Workforce Development Act eliminates duplication, reduces the number of government agencies that get involved in what should be a private sector activity, improves efficiencies, and demands a coordinated approach in our workforce and education.  

(2) The Preparing South Carolina's Workforce Act, makes changes related to dual enrollment and transfer of credits between tech schools and four-year colleges.  Every South Carolinian needs to be able to afford to be a part of the workforce.  The traditional cost of four-year degree programs is not necessary or obtainable for every worker in the state.

(3)  LLR reform allows the entrance into professions through apprenticeship rather than only by licensing exams or specified training.

South Carolina’s Future Energy Generation Needs

The Speaker noted that the economic development and population growth which has been occurring means increased energy demand for our state.  He said the State must make sure that the ability to meet the demand continues.  

The alternative, he noted, are rolling blackouts.

The Speaker also noted that the time and expense that it takes to bring electric generation online in South Carolina is unacceptable.  The Public Service Commission (PSC) needs to move faster and be timely. Regulatory barriers and baseless challenges need to be dispensed with. The only thing that extended PSC litigation does is drive up expenses for the consumer.

Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

There is real reason to believe that this type of generation is the future for South Carolina and perhaps the nation as a whole. The technology is still developing, but if implemented it meets the criteria of efficiency, accessibility, and reliability.

The Speaker finished up his comments about energy generation with this summary:  “I believe the General Assembly has a duty to make sure ‘the lights stay on’ and we have enough energy to provide for our thriving economy.”

Conclusion

Our current success is no accident.   It came from the hard work of Republican leadership over the past decades, from people like David Wilkins.  

It is the Speaker’s intention that the General Assembly stays focused on the things that matter: making South Carolina the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“I know that the Republican Caucus will continue to provide real results on the things that matter most to our citizens – I’m looking forward to an exciting year!”

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