By Ben Homeyer
Legislative and Funding Updates
House Republican Leadership met last week to introduce new chairman as well as discuss a bit about what is coming for 2023. Representative Bruce Bannister was officially introduced as the new Ways and Means Chairman, Bill Hixon as Ag Chair, Jeff Bradley as rules chairman and Davey Hiott as Majority Leader. A new EPW chair has not been named at this time. The week of November 14th the caucus plans to get together to discuss the upcoming agenda.
The House Ad Hoc Economic Development committee has continued to meet. They are currently discussing jobs and job growth. Secretary Elzy of the Department of Employment and Workforce put in a major plug to continue funding for the Be Pro Be Proud program. He stated that two more states are starting the program and are modeling their ideas after South Carolina. The Truck continues to make the rounds of South Carolina and be a major tool for DEW to recruit people to our industries.
Thursday November 10th CRMCA will participate in the SCFOR annual meeting in which the infrastructure needs of SC will be discussed.
Elections
Early voting is going on currently and will continue for three more days. November 8th is election day in the state.
SC Congressional Delegation
All seven members of the US House are up for re-election with at least one new member joining the delegation as Tom Rice lost in his primary. Senator Tim Scott is up and is being challenged by current SC House Member Krystal Mathews.
SC Constitutional Officers
All Constitutional officers that are currently elected except Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman are seeking re-election. In races that typically effect the CRMCA industry Governor McMaster will face off against former Congressman Joe Cunningham. Alan Wilson is running unopposed for Attorney General.
SC House and Senate
All 124 members of the SC House will be up for re-election this year. No Senators are up this year