Big Wins this week for Chamber Priorities

S.147, also known as the COVID-19 Liability Protections bill, received second and third reading (by a vote of 89-18) this week moving the bill to the Governor’s desk where he is expected to sign it as soon as possible. I want to thank everyone who reached out to their elected officials over the last year to get this bill to the finish line. This was one of our top priorities dating back to last year and was featured in our GrowSC Agenda, which we released with other Chambers of Commerce around the state. 

H.3620, the Hate Crimes legislation, had its second Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing this week. The legislation received a favorable report by a 3-2 vote and now moves to full Senate Judiciary Committee after the Senate finishes the budget next week. We expect there to be quite a bit of resistance in full committee and if/when it makes it to the floor, we are going to need your help! I will be working with our Metro Chambers Coalition, State Chamber and other business associations over the next few days to see how we can get the bill to the floor. We know we are going to need a big push from our volunteer leaders!

Finally, as I mentioned above, next week the Senate will deliberate the budget – likely beginning on Monday. Here are a few highlights from their nearly $10 billion package: 

• Every K-12 teacher will receive a $1,000 raise as well as their step increase
• $65 million increase in per-pupil funding
• $48 million for pay raises for state employees
• $47 million to expand full day kindergarten to all 4-year-olds in rural areas statewide 
• $405 million for general maintenance and renovations project on our public colleges and universities 

Stay tuned for more information once debate begins on the floor. As always, we will keep you posted on what’s happening in Columbia.