Economy & Taxes

A strong economy means good jobs and opportunity for our families. I have worked to bring new business and investment to Greenwood and Laurens Counties, and to support the local businesses that are the backbone of our community.

During my time in the State House, our district has seen significant new investment and job creation, including:

• •Teijin Ltd. -- carbon fiber manufacturing, 220 jobs
• •Impressa Building Systems -- 180 jobs
• •Monti, Inc. -- estimated 300 homes annually
• •E.A. Sween Company -- $38 million investment, 300 jobs
• •Lonza -- $46 million expansion
• •Mumford Industries -- 33 jobs
• •WC Fiber -- $42 million expansion
• •Velux -- $26 million expansion
• •Eaton -- 30 jobs
• •Ascend Performance Materials -- $16.2 million investment
• •Caterpillar -- $13.5 million investment, 85 jobs

Greenwood County's unemployment rate reached 3.4% with over 1,000 job openings. I have supported these efforts by fighting for a business-friendly environment in Columbia, reducing red tape, and making sure our district is competitive in attracting new industry.

I will continue to work with local economic development leaders, county councils, and the business community to ensure that Greenwood and Laurens Counties remain attractive places to invest, grow, and create jobs.

I have never voted for a tax increase — not once in nearly a decade in the State House. I believe that South Carolinians know better how to spend their money than the government does, and I have consistently voted to lower taxes and to return surplus revenue to the taxpayers.

I supported the income tax reduction that has lowered the state income tax rate, putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking South Carolinians. When the state has collected more revenue than it needs, I have voted to return surplus funds to taxpayers through direct refunds rather than growing government.

I also supported the tuition freeze for South Carolina's public colleges and universities, helping families afford higher education without taking on crushing debt.

Property taxes are one of the heaviest burdens on our seniors and families. I am a co-sponsor of H. 3424, which would eliminate property taxes for seniors in South Carolina. Our seniors have spent a lifetime building their homes and communities. They should not be taxed out of their own homes in retirement.

I will continue to fight for property tax reform that provides relief to homeowners, seniors, and families across our district.