We had an incredibly productive week in the Senate, starting with helping Boeing grow its presence in South Carolina.
Boeing has been an incredibly partner for us as a state. Despite labor unions’ early attempt to interfere with their presence here, Boeing is already creating jobs for over a thousand South Carolinians, with a multiplier effect that touches every part of our state.
We overwhelming passed a bill this week that gives Boeing the tools they need to create another 2,000 jobs here. You read that right…ANOTHER 2,000 jobs, and nearly a $1 billion more in capital investment.
It’s a great day for South Carolina not only because of the impact these jobs will have in people’s lives, but also because it solidifies our state’s reputation as a go-to destination for world-class manufacturing.
Also this week, the Senate moved closer to its cyber security bill, aimed at making sure data theft of the scale we experienced at the Department of Revenue never happens again. This bill only received 2nd reading, and though it may go through a few more changes before heading to the House, so far it creates a state Department of Information Security that reports to the governor and an identity-theft unit at the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs, and it provides a tax credit for any South Carolinian who chooses to purchase advanced fraud protection services.
Additionally, we continued debate on S.308 that will allow CWP holders to carry their firearm into a bar or restaurant so long as they are not consuming alcohol. The bill also gives restaurant and bar owners the right to post a sign prohibiting the carrying of guns in their establishment.
Finally, budget subcommittees continued to meet hearing from state agencies as to what their needs are for the coming year, as they prepare the budget. We pledge to put forward a responsible budget that takes care of taxpayers and pays for core government needs.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns as we move toward the end of the legislative session.