We’re two weeks into our legislative session and the excitement is building. House committees are currently engaged in taking public testimony and preparing for the upcoming floor debates on many issues you’ve let me know are important to you. In total, there were more than 31 committee and subcommittee meetings, demonstrating the House’s commitment to advancing meaningful solutions for South Carolinians.
Last week, we did have a floor debate to establish the House rules for the year. I’m pleased to report we made significant improvements to enhance transparency. This includes a requirement for more video live-streams and ensuring that the public can testify on legislation at the committee level. This change prevents attempts to limit debate to just elected officials on the House floor. Your voice matters.
Governor McMaster’s State of the State Address
On Wednesday, Governor Henry McMaster delivered his annual State of the State Address, outlining a bold vision for South Carolina’s future. One of the most important takeaways was his strong commitment to cutting state income taxes—a priority that aligns directly with the House Republican Caucus’ goal of delivering historic tax relief.
Speaker Murrell Smith captured the significance of the Governor’s address, stating:
“Governor McMaster’s State of the State laid out a clear and ambitious vision for South Carolina’s continued prosperity, and the House looks forward to working towards many of these shared priorities. Cutting income taxes, reducing burdensome regulations, and simplifying the licensing process will make it easier for our citizens and businesses to grow and thrive.”
Legislation in Motion
Several key priorities took important steps forward this week:
● The House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Subcommittee met to debate H.3309, a comprehensive energy bill designed to strengthen South Carolina’s energy future. I’m cautious about how we prepare for tomorrow’s (and today’s) energy demands – especially since the fiasco we had at VC Summer just a few years ago. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I want to be sure we have protections in there to avoid any burden being placed on the taxpayers. Last session I voted against the energy bill – it also ultimately failed in the Senate. With the appropriate guardrails in place, I can support this year. Stay tuned.
● The House Ways and Means budget subcommittees have hearing budget requests from state agencies in preparation for the full House budget debate, scheduled for the week of March 10. I’ve served on this committee for six years, most recently the past four years as Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee. To learn more about my role and this important committee and about the billions (yes, plural) of budget requests, please visit www.nathansnews.com.
New Bills Introduced
In addition to ongoing legislative work, several important new bills were introduced this week:
● H.3849: Reforms liquor liability insurance policies to provide relief for thousands of small businesses. This is another issue I have heard from you as it has impacted local businesses in our community.
● H.3858: Cuts taxes on boats, benefiting South Carolina’s 1.1 million boat owners and strengthening our economy as one of the top states for boating. By the time you read my column this week, I will have lent my support to this bill by signing on as a co-sponsor. Again, an obvious bill the Chapin/Irmo and Lake Murray community supports.
● H.3793: Exempts all overtime income from state taxes, putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking South Carolinians. Any chance to reduce your taxes, I support.
If you didn’t receive my FEBRUARY COMMUNITY UPDATE EMAIL, please let me know. I’ve sent a monthly email to our community for many years now to keep you informed. I’d ask that you email me at [email protected] and ask to be added to the distribution list. If you currently receive the email (more than 3,000 do), please share with your friends and neighbors so they aren’t left out. They can email me too and stay informed.
It’s an honor and privilege to represent more than 45,000 residents in the Irmo/Chapin community. As always, hearing from you helps me do a better job and I ask that you stop me around town, on the ballfields, or at church, anytime you have questions or advice. You can also email me at the email listed above or – just call me at home, anytime. My home number is 803-834-4613.
