Riding for the Cure

I am excited to participate in a cycling fundraising event to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Oncology Research Institute of the Greenville Hospital System. Read more... (363 words)

The 117th Session of the South Carolina General Assembly ended Thursday, June 5th, after a string of successes, and near successes for conservatives. Read more... (368 words)

This past week reminded me of a roller coaster ride at Carowinds, filled with highs and lows. Unfortunately, it ended on a low procedural motion that does nothing to promote the public trust. Read more... (523 words)

This session has seen a number of victories, and some still-pending battles, for conservatives.
We were successful in starting the process of reforming the executive branch of government, stiffened our DUI laws, eliminated the PACT exam, banished anonymous earmark spending, and even in a year with falling revenues, we approved a small tax cut.
This week, the House did something it has not done in more than a generation – approved a 50 cent increase in the tax on a pack of cigarettes. Unfortunately for conservatives, the debate is no longer whether or not to raise the cigarette tax. Many of even the most strident anti-tax conservatives have either made peace with the idea or perceived an inevitable tax hike. Read more... (426 words)

It is that time or year again to mark your calendars for the Annual Ice Cream in the Park, and Town Hall meeting. In addition to the ice cream and opportunity to mix and mingle with your neighbors, you will hear a wrap up of the legislative session from myself and others. Read more... (59 words)

Only 12 days remain in the 2008 session of your General Assembly, and as usual this time of year, the workload is picking up dramatically. Several significant pieces of legislation moved in the House this week including a bill restricting illegal immigration, a bill abolishing parole, and two bills regarding alcohol use.
Read more... (512 words)

Anyone watching the South Carolina General Assembly has seen some great successes for conservatives this year – tough new DUI restrictions, rejection of anonymous pet projects, and a balanced budget.

Recently, you saw the worst side of the General Assembly, too. Read more... (409 words)

A major priority for me over the past several years has been restructuring our state government – forcing it to be more accountable to the people of South Carolina and use your tax dollars more efficiently.

This week, the House took another major step toward that goal by moving five state agencies to the control of the governor’s office – general services, human resources, the CIO’s office, procurement services, and the state energy office. These offices provide administrative services, rather than providing services directly to the people of South Carolina. Read more... (413 words)

Exactly four months ago, I wrote about the House Republican Caucus’ 2008 agenda with high hopes.

This week, we completed that agenda, approving all of these conservative pieces of legislation and scoring major victories for the voters of South Carolina. We approved legislation attacking seven major issues facing our state this year that will impact the lives, jobs, and pocketbooks of all South Carolinians. Read more... (563 words)

The House of Representatives spent its second week in intensive committee work this week, preparing and debating legislation so it has time to come to the House floor before the May 1 “crossover” deadline.

The Republican Caucus did achieve another conservative victory this week as we ushered through the sixth of our seven 2008 Agenda items – a tax break for married couples.
Read more... (376 words)