SC Legislative Update

by Ben Homeyer

Activity Updates

With the passing of Senator Leatherman a few weeks ago the picture of who is going to take up the mantle has become clearer.  Senator Peeler from Gaffney has stated he will become the Finance Chairman. Senator Alexander from Walhalla has the votes to become the new Senate President and Senator Davis from Hilton Head will become the new LCI Chairman. At this point it is still unknown if Senator Massey or Senator Climer will take the open finance seat. A special election will take place for Senator Leatherman’s seat. At this point two folks have filed (both republicans) to run for the Senate seat. Filing for the vacant seat will open at noon December 3 and will close December 11. The primary election is scheduled for January 25, 2022. If necessary, a primary election runoff will be held on February 8, 2022. The special election is scheduled for March 29, 2022.

Redistricting

The Senate is returning to Columbia to work on redistricting Dec. 6-8.

The House is returning to Columbia Dec 1,2 and 6th to take up redistricting.

Multiple members from the upstate are pushing both the House and Senate to take up other issues.  Mostly those issues would be related to vaccines and masks and covid.  At this point there is not an appetite to take up any other issues which would require a 2/3 vote of both bodies to allow it.

SCFOR

SCFOR held their annual meeting on November 16th and CRMCA was a sponsor.  The ten-year road plan was discussed, the decade long malfunction junction project, ARPA dollars, as well as local government funding which many in the industry rely on for projects. 

SCDOT

SCDOT has promoted Ted Creech to oversee all their government relations. Ted is a friend so as issues do arise, we have a good contact to go to at the agency.