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 Supporting Small Businesses & Job Creators
Supporting small businesses remains one of my top priorities, and last week we delivered real tax relief for the job creators who power our local economies.
On the House floor, I voted to pass the Small Business Tax Cuts Act (H.5006), a bill I’m proud to sponsor.
More than 99% of South Carolina businesses are small businesses—from local diners to neighborhood auto shops—and this legislation gives them room to grow. The bill exempts the first $10,000 of assets from the Business Personal Property Tax, ending a tax that penalizes owners for investing in their own success.
This reform allows small businesses to keep more of what they earn so they can reinvest, hire employees, and continue serving their communities.
 Judicial Reform
Last week, I also sponsored and passed the Judicial Merit Selection Reform Bill (H.4755), a major step toward restoring transparency and accountability in South Carolina’s judicial selection process.
This reform strengthens the separation of powers, restores balance and clarifies authority within the Governor’s Office, and improves public trust in how judges are selected. South Carolinians deserve confidence that the judicial system operates fairly, transparently, and with clear accountability—and this legislation moves us in that direction.
 Raising Standards & Tenure Accountability
Raising standards in education and protecting taxpayer accountability remain critical priorities.
I supported the Tenure Accountability Bill (H.4761), which requires annual performance evaluations for all public university faculty and regular post-tenure reviews for tenured professors. Taxpayers deserve assurance that publicly funded educators continue meeting clear, measurable standards throughout their careers.
Additionally, the Public School Grading Reform Bill (H.5073) advanced in subcommittee. This legislation ensures grades reflect actual student achievement—not inflated metrics that undermine long-term success. Parents deserve an honest picture of how their children are performing, and students deserve standards that prepare them for college, careers, and real life.
 Tough on Crime & Juvenile Reform
Keeping our communities safe requires accountability, clarity, and common sense—especially when serious crimes involve juveniles.
Last week, the House Judiciary Committee advanced a comprehensive juvenile crime reform package—H.5117, H.5120, and H.5121—and I support these measures to protect families and strengthen public safety. These bills ensure due process when courts consider transferring serious juvenile offenders to adult court, improve communication between schools and law enforcement when serious offenses occur, and strengthen responses to repeat and violent juvenile crime.
The package also invests in proven prevention strategies, including mentoring, job training, recreation, and family support services, to help steer at-risk youth away from crime before it starts.
This balanced approach delivers accountability for violent offenders while expanding early intervention and prevention. Public safety comes first, and serious crimes must carry serious consequences—regardless of age.
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