ABOUT US

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

South Carolina House Democrats have long been the voice of working men and women in South Carolina. The Democratic Members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are committed to making South Carolina a better place to live and work. Our promise to you is to continue to work with your best interest in mind. We will forge ahead to work for a strong and well-equipped public education system, access to adequate and affordable healthcare for working families, and insist that any tax relief be targeted to those in need.

Public Education
House Democrats believe the future of our state depends on an educated workforce; therefore, we have renewed our commitment to public education. Our schools have made great strides in the past few years and we need to continue moving forward for the sake of our youngest citizens. Protecting and improving our public education system is a top priority for House Democrats.

Education is crucial to improving our state’s economy and the quality of life for all South Carolinians. We look forward to working with Dr. Jim Rex, the newly elected Superintendent of Education, as we continue to strengthen our schools.

Healthcare
Currently, there are over 850,000 South Carolinians; including 102,595 children are living without health care coverage. In South Carolina, and throughout the country, far too many people have to choose between paying bills and purchasing prescription drugs and insurance coverage. Serving approximately an additional 65,000 uninsured children, House Democrats support increasing the Children’s Health Program (CHIPS) to 200% of poverty.

We support a .30 cigarette tax increase to provide affordable and accessible healthcare coverage, similar to that of state employees, for many of South Carolina’s working people who are currently living without health insurance.

Tax Relief
Working families are shouldering too much of the state’s tax burden. Democrats will insist that any future tax relief target those most in need.

Worker’s Comp
More must be done to improve our economy by reducing the cost of doing business in South Carolina. Democrats will fight to reform worker’s compensation in a way that provides relief for our businesses and protects the safety and rights of employees.