We are 9 weeks into the legislative session. The focus has been on enhancing several bills prior to them moving to the Floor of the House for debate. March 14 begins one of the busiest and most important weeks in the South Carolina House: The State Budget. The full House Ways and Means committee held a budget briefing where the budget was explained and broken down in further detail. You can see the budget briefing online here. The theme of this year’s budget is 4 R’s: improving our roads, increasing our reserves, tax relief, and raises for teachers, state law enforcement, and state employees. I will work long and hard to ensure that the House budget allocates appropriate dollars to fund core state functions and improvements while ensuring South Carolinians have more money back in their pockets.

Critical Race Theory:

The Education Committee once again met to review several bills (325, 4343, 4392, 4605, and 4799) that go to address the issue of Critical Race Theory. They took hours of testimony on Tuesday, resulting in a very long committee meeting. The work is long, but I feel confident that the committee is one step closer to finalizing legislation that addresses this issue and sending it to the Floor.

More Legislation:

• Passed – H. 3509: The House passed a bill that extends the Department of Social Services protections for children in foster care to the age of 21 to make the transition into adulthood more supported and smooth.
• Passed – H. 4601: I voted in favor of a bill that deems ambulance services an essential service in South Carolina. This ensures that when emergency strikes, each county is prepared to provide services necessary to possibly save a life. It unanimously passed the House and is on to the Senate.

SC House of Representatives ‘In the News’:

“SC law enforcement leaders say proposed pay hikes will stem officer exodus” Click here to read more!

I’m at your service!

It is my honor to be of service to you and to serve District 83. If you need assistance navigating state government, or have any thoughts or concerns about what we are doing, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Sincerely,
Bill Hixon
District 83 – SC House of Representatives

For more information or have questions or comments on what I am doing in Columbia? Give me a call!
Home Phone: (803) 278-0892
Business Phone: (803) 279-8855
Columbia Phone: (803) 212-6898

Contact your Representatives

United States Congressman Joe Wilson — (202) 225-2452
United States Congressman Jeff Duncan — (202) 225-5301
SC Senator Shane Massey — (803) 480- 0419
SC Senator Tom Young — (803) 212-6000
SC House of Representative Bill Hixon — (803) 279-8855
Follow these links for more information about your state and national level representatives.

Signup For Newsletter