Veterans

South Carolina is home to over 450,000 military veterans, and they deserve our full support and gratitude. I was proud to vote for legislation making military retirement income completely free from state income taxes in South Carolina.

For too long, our veterans were forced to choose between staying in the state they love and moving to a state with better tax treatment of their retirement benefits. This legislation sends a clear message: South Carolina values your service, and we want you to stay here, raise your families here, and continue to contribute to our communities.

I have supported legislation to elevate the Director of the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs to a cabinet-level position. Our veterans deserve a seat at the table when the Governor and cabinet are making decisions that affect their lives, their healthcare, and their benefits.

This change ensures that veterans' issues receive the attention and priority they deserve at the highest levels of state government.

I have supported the disabled veteran tax credit, which provides additional tax relief to veterans who have been disabled in service to our country. These men and women have sacrificed their health and wellbeing in defense of our freedom, and they deserve every bit of support we can provide.

I believe in actively honoring and recognizing the service of our veterans in our community. Whether through official state recognitions, local ceremonies, or supporting veteran-owned businesses, we must never forget the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform.

Our veterans are not just heroes of the past. They are leaders, mentors, and pillars of our communities today. I will continue to fight for policies that honor their service and support their transition to civilian life.