Here are the highlights from last week at the statehouse - 

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION – Following weeks of debate, the Senate passed H.3066 on Thursday.  This bill would accomplish the most significant restructuring of South Carolina state government in decades and, consequently, took a long time to work out.  As passed by the Senate, the bill is roughly 130 pages long.  To put that in perspective, most legislation passed by the General Assembly probably consists of fewer than 5 pages.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Abolishes the Budget & Control Board, a 5-member agency that has controlled many of the executive functions of state government for the last 60 years.
• Creates a new Department of Administration, to be run by a director appointed by the Governor, and transfers most of the Budget & Control Board’s executive functions to this new cabinet agency.
• Ensures the independence of the Board of Economic Advisers, an agency responsible for analyzing economic data and projecting revenue trends that are the basis for our state budget.
• Prohibits state agencies from running budget deficits unless the General Assembly, through a recorded vote, authorizes additional funding.
• Establishes a 9-member trustee board to govern state employee benefits (health insurance and retirement).
• Requires the legislature to conduct regular oversight of all executive agencies.  For too long, the General Assembly has abdicated its oversight role and, consequently, has done very little to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of state government.

The bill now returns to the House of Representatives for consideration of the Senate’s changes.  I’ll keep you updated on how things proceed.  To read the bill, as passed by the Senate, go here.  You can read analysis from The State, The Post and Courier, and the Associated Press.

ECONOMIC TRENDS – The Board of Economic Advisers met last week and determined that January’s tax collections were $10.3 million (1.7%) over the previous year’s collections.  For the fiscal year (July-June), revenues are $177.4 (4.7%) million over last year’s collections.  These numbers show a slow, but steady, economic recovery in South Carolina.

NEW SENATE DISTRICT – In my first update of the year, I told you that our Senate district had changed because of the 2010 census.  Late last year, the U.S. Department of Justice signed off on the new Senate districts.  However, several private individuals filed suit, challenging the new district boundaries.  Last week, a U.S. District Court dismissed that lawsuit.  As a result, the new Senate districts are now in effect.  Our district now contains all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the new district map, go here. 

BILLS OF INTEREST

COMMON CORE EDUCATION STANDARDS – In 2010 the State Board of Education adopted new education standards, commonly referred to as “Common Core.”  Common Core’s purpose is to establish a national set of standards to prepare K-12 students for college and careers.  S.604 would prohibit the State Department of Education from implementing Common Core.  Here is an AP article about the legislation.  Since I expect this bill may come up for a vote at some point, I would appreciate your input.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

BRIDGESTONE HIRING – The Bridgestone plant in Graniteville announced a significant expansion last Fall.  They are now hiring for the new positions.  For information on how to apply, go here (http://www.readysc.org/bato/)

If you know of a business that is hiring, please let me know.  I’d love to include that information in the next newsletter so we can get the word out.

LAST WEEK’S MEETINGS

On Monday night I attended the Edgefield Lions Club meeting and presented the club with a United States flag that flew over the Statehouse.  The Lions Club is a service organization that does great work for the community, especially in assisting those in need of eye care.

Thanks to all our service clubs for making our communities better!

Constituent Interests

CONGRESSMAN JEFF DUNCAN TO BE IN EDGEFIELD AND SALUDA – Congressman Jeff Duncan will hold “Listening Sessions” in Edgefield and Saluda on Wednesday, February 22.  Jeff will be at the Old Edgefield Grill (202 Penn Street, Edgefield) 12:00–1:00 and Mig’s (216 N. Wise Rd., Saluda) 4:30-5:30.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to talk with our Congressman!

VOTING RECORD – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here.  You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

SPEAKING WITH GROUPS – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.  

EMAIL UPDATES – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane

Legislative Update For The Week of 2/6/12- 2/10/12

Last week was a busy one.  Here are the highlights -

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION – The Senate continued to debate a bill that would abolish the Budget and Control Board and create a new Department of Administration.  I sponsored an amendment with Senators Vincent Sheheen (D-Kershaw) and Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) to move more of the executive functions of government into the executive branch.  That amendment passed last Tuesday, but the Senate undid much of that amendment on Wednesday by creating a new board to handle state procurement contracts.  I hope the Senate will finish the discussion this week.

CATHERINE TEMPLETON, NOMINEE FOR COMMISSIONER OF DHEC – Several weeks ago, Earl Hunter, DHEC’s Commissioner since 2001, announced his retirement.  Following a lengthy search, DHEC’s governing board recommended Catherine Templeton to be the new Commissioner.  Ms. Templeton, currently Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, was approved by the Senate Medical Affairs Committee this past week.  Her nomination now goes to the full Senate for confirmation.  To read more about Ms. Templeton’s nomination and the committee hearing, go here.

STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS – Last Wednesday, Chief Justice Jean Toal delivered her annual State of the Judiciary Address.  In the speech, the Chief Justice pointed out some staggering statistics:  SC has fewer trial judges, per capita, than any state in the country, and court filings in SC are much higher than in any other state.  Consequently, the Chief Justice has asked the General Assembly to create 3 new circuit court judge positions and 6 new family court judge positions.  You can watch a video of the speech and view the Chief Justice’s power point presentation here.  Here is an article from The State about the speech.

PUB POLITICS – On Wednesday, I was a guest on Pub Politics, a popular web-based political talk show.  We discussed the Department of Administration legislation, Catherine Templeton’s nomination to head DHEC, and other issues before the General Assembly.  You can watch the entertaining video here.

BILLS OF INTEREST

DUI – In 2008 the General Assembly overhauled South Carolina’s DUI laws in an attempt to crack down on repeat offenders.  That new law ensures repeat offenders serve mandatory jail time and requires them to install a breathalyzer device in their vehicle to prevent them from driving while intoxicated.  A new bill, S.746 would require a person to install that breathalyzer device in his vehicle after a first conviction. Here is a brief article discussing the bill.

HIGH SCHOOL DROP-OUT PREVENTION – Keeping high school students in school is one of South Carolina’s biggest challenges.  Multiple studies indicate people who graduate high school will earn more over the course of their lives, are less likely to require public assistance, and are more successful overall than people who drop out of high school. H.3164 would require high school students to stay in school in order to keep their driver’s licenses.  Here is an article about the bill.

HOME-BASED FOODS LEGISLATION – Did you know that it is illegal to sell a cake that you bake in your home?  Last year I heard from several folks in our Senate district who asked me to sponsor legislation to allow for the sale of home-based foods.  After talking with DHEC and researching laws in other states, I introduced S.1035 to do just that.  The bill is now out of committee and on the full Senate for consideration.  You can read a couple articles about the bill here and here. You can also view a local TV news story here. You can read the bill here.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

NEW JOB TRAINING PROGRAM – Gov. Nikki Haley has proposed a new program to help train South Carolina’s citizens for specific jobs that are available in the Palmetto State.  This program resulted from the frustrating discovery that, although our state’s employment rate is unacceptably high, we have a large number of job vacancies across the state that have not been filled because people do not have the training to perform those jobs.  You can read 2 articles about the program here and here.

BRIDGESTONE HIRING – The Bridgestone plant in Graniteville announced a significant expansion last Fall.  They are now hiring for the new positions.  For information on how to apply, go here.

SAM’S CLUB TO BREAK GROUND IN GRANITEVILLE SOON – Sam’s Club announced plans last Fall to build a new store in Graniteville.  Construction should begin in late Spring/early Summer with the expectation that 150-175 new sales associate jobs will follow.  Click here for more information.

NEW COMPANY LOOKING AT AIKEN – Information released last week indicates a renewable energy manufacturing company is looking to build a new facility in Aiken County.  Here’s an update.  I’ll give you more information when I hear it.

If you know of a business that is hiring, please let me know.  I’d love to include that information in the next newsletter so we can get the word out.

LAST WEEK’S MEETINGS

On Monday night, I attended Edgefield County First Steps’ 10th anniversary celebration.  First Steps is a state-run program designed to ensure that children are ready to start school when they reach school age.  As all parents know, children learn a tremendous amount in their early years.  Unfortunately, not all children have home environments that prepare them to start school.  That’s vitally important because studies have shown that students who do not read on grade level by 3rd grade are much less likely to finish high school.

On Tuesday, I met with the Board of Directors for Beckman Mental Health Clinic.  For our district, Beckman serves Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  They do a great job providing treatment and job training for our friends and neighbors with mental illness.

On Wednesday, I attended a luncheon for the Midlands Chamber of Commerce.  From our district, Aiken, Edgefield, Lexington, and Saluda Counties are members of the Midlands Chamber.  It was a very informative meeting, focusing on economic development projects and opportunities in our area.

On Friday morning, I attended the Aiken County Retired Educators’ annual legislative breakfast.  We talked about proposed changes to the state retirement system and the state of education in South Carolina.  These retired teachers are a great source of information!

CONSTITUENT INTERESTS

VOTING RECORD – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here.  You can always check to see how I vote by going to my ebsite, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

SPEAKING WITH GROUPS – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.

FEEDBACK FROM LAST WEEK’S UPDATE – Last week I asked for your thoughts about how South Carolina should use projected surplus revenue if those projections hold true, and I received a good bit of feedback.  I really appreciate your input!

EMAIL UPDATES – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane

I joined Wesley Donehue, Phil Bailey, and Bryan Cox on Pub Politics this week. We had a good discussion about the Department of Administration, DHEC Director-nominee Catherine Templeton, and other state issues. Watch the video here:

Legislative Update for the week of 1/30/12 – 2/3/12

I hope everyone had a good week. Last week was pretty slow legislation-wise (that’s not always a bad thing), but I was busy with several tasks. Here are the highlights -

INSPECTOR GENERAL – On Thursday, Governor Haley signed into law a bill that establishes an Inspector General. Many states have Inspectors General to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The creation of an Inspector General is a huge win for open and honest government and a big step toward our goal of shaking up the status quo. I was a cosponsor of the bill, and I chaired the subcommittee that helped push the bill through the Senate. Here is an article from The State, discussing the legislation. You can read the new law here.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION – The Senate continued to debate a bill that would abolish the Budget and Control Board and create a new Department of Administration. Although I think we’re making progress, that progress is painfully slow. I hope to have good news to report next week.
HOME-BASED FOODS LEGISLATION – Did you know that it is illegal to sell a cake that you bake in your home? Last year I heard from several folks in our Senate district who asked me to sponsor legislation to allow for the sale of home-based foods. After talking with DHEC and researching laws in other states, I introduced S.1035 to do just that. The bill has passed a subcommittee and, this past week, the Senate’s Medical Affairs Committee. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can read a couple articles about the bill here and here. You can also view a local TV news story here. You can read the bill here.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING – Last Monday night I attended Edgefield County’s annual intergovernmental meeting. This meeting, hosted by County Council, brings together all sectors of government in Edgefield County (towns, county, school district, state legislative delegation, water and sewer, transportation, etc.) to keep everyone informed about what different areas of government are doing. It’s a great idea that I wish other counties would replicate. Edgefield County is doing great things! You can read Edgefielddaily.com’s write-up about the meeting here.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY CAREER FAIR – On Wednesday morning, I participated in a career fair for 8th grade students at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton and Merriwether Middle Schools. I have done this for several years in Edgefield and Aiken Counties, and I have enjoyed it each time. I am always impressed by the curiosity, initiative, and common sense that our students show. If these 8th graders are an indication of South Carolina’s future, there are great things to come!
FUNERAL FOR MASTER CORPORAL SANDY ROGERS – I attended the memorial service for Aiken Public Safety Officer Sandy Rogers on Wednesday afternoon. Several thousand people attended the ceremony at USCA’s Convocation Center or lined the streets along the procession route. It was a tremendous show of support by the Aiken community to thank Sandy – and all law enforcement officers – for their dedicated service to keep us all safe and free. God bless you, Sandy.
VOTING RECORD – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here. You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.
FEEDBACK FROM LAST WEEK’S UPDATE - Last week I asked for your thoughts about how South Carolina should use projected surplus revenue if those projections hold true, and I received a good bit of feedback. I really appreciate your input!
SPEAKING WITH GROUPS – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates. If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please let me know.
EMAIL UPDATES – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me. You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.
Sincerely,

Shane

Senator Shane Massey discusses the tragic death of Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers. Also, Massey gives an update on SC’s restructuring bill.

I begin this update with a heavy heart, having just learned of the murder of Aiken Public Safety Officer Sandy Rogers following a traffic stop on Saturday morning.  I ask that you please keep the Rogers family and Aiken Public Safety in your prayers.  And the next time you see law enforcement officers, tell them you appreciate their service.  They go to work every day to protect us and maintain a civil, orderly society that allows us to live in freedom.  The least we can do is say, “thank you.”  God bless you, Sandy Rogers.

Budget Update – As in most states, South Carolina’s budget is based on projections of how much revenue the state will collect.  This week, the Board of Economic Advisers (BEA), the entity in charge of revenue projections, met to review tax collections and analyze South Carolina’s financial situation.   The most important conclusion is that South Carolina’s economy continues to improve.  Here are some of the numbers:

• October 2011 tax collections were 4.3% higher than tax collections in October 2010
• November 2011 tax collections were 6.0% higher than tax collections in November 2010
• December 2011 tax collections were 7.3% higher than tax collections in December 2010
• For the fiscal year (July 2011 – June 2012), South Carolina has collected 5.3% more in tax revenue than at this point last year.

The steady increase in those numbers reflects two significant points.  First, more people are working and paying income taxes.  Second, South Carolinians are regaining confidence in the economy by spending money and paying sales taxes.  Overall, these numbers indicate we are making steady progress, and that’s great news.

A surplus this year? – Many news outlets and special interest groups have been talking about a projected budget surplus for this year.  In fact, the BEA has projected a surplus of roughly $913 million ($535 million in recurring funds and $378 million in one-time money).  You can see a 2-page Budget Outlook prepared by the State Budget Office here.

I have my thoughts on what we should do with that surplus, and I will share those thoughts with you as we go forward if the estimates hold true.  I’m curious as to what you think, though.  Please let me know how you think we should handle a surplus.

Department of Administration – The Senate continued to debate a bill that would abolish the Budget and Control Board and create a new Department of Administration.  I talked about this legislation in detail last week.  I hope to have good news to report next week.

Funding for Presidential Primary  – You may have read that several counties across South Carolina (none in our area) sued the State Elections Commission and the South Carolina Republican Party, asking for more funds to pay for the presidential primary on January 21.  Prior to the lawsuit, the Republican Party had agreed to pay a large portion of the primary’s cost.  After the Supreme Court’s ruling on the suit, the Party backed out with the understanding that current law did not allow the Party to contribute.

Since the party had agreed to pay for a good bit of the primary costs before the suit, I filed legislation that would allow the Republican Party to contract with the State Elections Commission for the costs of the election.  Unfortunately, my bill was defeated in subcommittee this week.  You can see a news report of the subcommittee hearing here.

Voting Record – If you’d like to see how I voted last week, go here.  You can always check to see how I vote by going to my website, www.senatormassey.com, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

State Employees’ Luncheon – This past Friday, January 27, I joined Representatives Bill Taylor and Tom Young at an annual lunch hosted by the Aiken Chapter of the South Carolina State Employees Association.  It was a great meeting with a large turnout.  Thank you to all the hard-working state employees who do a great job for all of us!

Speaking with Groups – Several groups, clubs, and classes around our Senate district have invited me to attend their meetings and provide legislative updates.  If you would like for me to come speak with your group, please send let me know.

Email updates – If you know of people in or around District 25 who do not receive my updates but would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me.  You can also forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Sincerely,

Shane

By S.C. Senator Shane Massey

Things sure are quieter now that the Presidential candidates and national media have left for Florida. Although I’m glad to have had the opportunity to meet several of the candidates and vote in the “First in the South” primary, I’m also happy for someone else to deal with all the phone calls, mail, and commercials!

The break in presidential politics will allow us to focus on some very important issues here at home. The General Assembly returned to work earlier this month, and we have a full plate.

A New Way of Doing Things

During my campaigns in 2007 and 2008, I talked a lot about the need to shake up Columbia. I’m happy to report that we’re making some progress. In 2008, my first year in the Senate, nearly every vote was a “voice vote.” When the vote came up, the President of the Senate asked all those in favor to vote “aye” and all those opposed to vote “no.” It was a quick way of doing business, but it was impossible for you to determine how I voted on an issue.

Fortunately, things have changed for the better. Every bill that comes before the legislature now receives a recorded vote. You can go to the General Assembly’s website (www.scstatehouse.gov) and see how I voted on every bill that came before the Senate last year. This year’s votes will be recorded the same way.

First up on the Senate’s agenda this year is a bill to create a new Department of Administration. Although it’s not the sexiest political issue, this restructuring effort will make South Carolina government more efficient and accountable for decades to come. For too long, some of the most significant decisions in South Carolina have been made by a 5-member Budget and Control Board. That Board makes executive decisions that are left to governors in nearly every other state and legislative decisions that are more appropriate for the General Assembly. For instance, it was the Budget and Control Board that allowed the Department of Health and Human Services to run a $228 Million – $228 MILLION! – deficit last year.

When this bill is passed, it will abolish the Budget and Control Board and shift most administrative functions of government into the Department of Administration, a cabinet level agency under the Governor. It will ensure that the legislature is responsible for making budgetary decisions so you can hold your legislators accountable for how money is spent. And it will require the legislature to assume an essential role it has abdicated for far too long – oversight of executive agencies. A more defined separation of powers with the necessary checks and balances will be a huge step forward.

A Resolution to be “Fiscally” Fit

In addition to a long-overdue restructuring effort, this year’s agenda includes a real push toward more responsible budgeting. After the session ended last year, I was asked to serve on a subcommittee considering an overhaul of our budgeting process. Last Fall, while the legislature was out of session, this subcommittee worked to produce legislation that will prevent deficit spending, impose a cap on how much money the legislature can spend, limit agencies’ ability to impose hidden fees on the public, and stop the irresponsible practice of raiding trust funds. I support these common-sense moves, and I hope they gain traction early this year.

Redistricting

Our Senate district now has a new look. The legislature spent much of last year drawing new districts to account for population changes following the 2010 census. The result is that our district now includes all of Edgefield County and portions of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties. You can view the new district map by going to http://redistricting.scsenate.gov/S815DistrictMaps/S815_D25_Lmap.pdf.

Town Halls and Email Updates

I have held dozens of town hall meetings throughout our district over the past 4 years, and I really appreciate the hundreds of folks who have participated. These town hall meetings give me a chance to keep you updated about what’s going on in Columbia and, more importantly, allow me to hear what’s on your mind. I’m already working on the next round of meetings, which I hope to schedule for late February and early March. Stay tuned for details!

In addition to town halls, I plan to send weekly email updates from the Senate this year. If you’d like to receive my updates, please go to my website at www.senatormassey.com to sign up.

In the meantime, you can always contact me by telephone (803-480-0419), email (shanemassey@scsenate.gov), or regular mail (P.O. Box 551, Edgefield, SC 29824). Or just pull me aside when you see me.

I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions, but I’ve decided to break with tradition this year.  This year’s resolution is to provide you with a weekly email update from the Senate. So, here goes -

A couple updates from last year

Before tackling this year’s agenda, though, I want to make sure you’ve heard about two of last year’s major accomplishments.  During my campaigns in 2007 and 2008, I talked a lot about the need to shake up Columbia.   I’m happy to report that we’re making some progress.  In 2008, my first year in the Senate, nearly every vote was a “voice vote.”  When the vote came up, the President of the Senate asked all those in favor to vote “aye” and all those opposed to vote “no.”  It was a quick way of doing business, but it was impossible for you to determine how I voted on an issue.

Fortunately, things have changed for the better.  Every bill that comes before the legislature now receives a recorded vote.  You can go to the General Assembly’s website and see how I voted on every bill that came before the Senate last year.  This year’s votes will be recorded the same way.  There are couple ways to see how I vote.  You can go here, or you can click on the “Voting Record” tab on my website – www.senatormassey.com.

Secondly, the General Assembly spent a good bit of time last year on redistricting.  Every ten years, following the census, the legislature has to update districts based on population changes.  Senate districts now have roughly 100,500 people.

Like most Senate districts across the state, our district has changed a little.  We now have all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties.  If you’d like to see the new district map, go here.

Department of Administration

When I’ve talked about “shaking up Columbia,” one of the things that always comes up is South Carolina’s unique – and antiquated – structure of government.  The Senate resumed debate last week on a bill that would overhaul the way our government operates.

For too long, some of the most significant decisions in South Carolina have been made by a 5-member Budget and Control Board.  That Board makes executive decisions that are left to governors in nearly every other state and legislative decisions that are more appropriate for the General Assembly.  For instance, it was the Budget and Control Board that allowed the Department of Health and Human Services to run a $228 Million deficit last year!  I am no fan of deficit spending – I think it’s the height of irresponsibility – but I especially don’t like it when deficits are forced upon us without legislative approval.  That’s what happened last year.

The restructuring bill that the Senate is debating now will abolish the Budget and Control Board and shift most administrative functions of government into the Department of Administration, a cabinet level agency under the Governor.  It will ensure that the legislature is responsible for making budgetary decisions so you can hold your legislators accountable for how money is spent.  And it will require the legislature to assume an essential role it has abdicated for far too long – oversight of executive agencies.  A more defined separation of powers with the necessary checks and balances will be a huge step forward.

I have been very involved in this debate because I believe this restructuring effort will have a significant impact on South Carolina for years to come.  I joined Senator Glenn McConnell and Senator Vincent Sheheen last Thursday on “This Week in the Senate” to discuss the Department of Administration.  You can watch the program here by clicking on the “January 19, 2012” show.  The video is approximately 30 minutes.

The Senate will continue to debate this legislation this coming week.  I’ll provide another update in the next email.

State of the State Address

I was able to attend Governor Nikki Haley’s second annual State of the State address last week.  Governor Haley celebrated many of the successes South Carolina has had over the past year, and there have been quite a few.  One of the brightest spots was right here in our Senate district:  Bridgestone’s investment of $1.2 Billion to expand its Graniteville plant is the largest investment in South Carolina history and is expected to create 850 new jobs.  The governor also identified several challenges facing South Carolina and offered suggestions on how to address them.

If you weren’t able to watch the speech last Wednesday night, you can view it here.  The speech is about 45 minutes.   Also, here’s a short video of my immediate reaction to the speech.

Town Halls and Email Updates

I have held dozens of town hall meetings throughout our district over the past 4 years, and I really appreciate the hundreds of folks who have participated.  These town hall meetings give me a chance to keep you updated about what’s going on in Columbia and, more importantly, allow me to hear what’s on your mind.  I’m already working on the next round of meetings, which I hope to schedule for late February and early March.  I’ll get the schedule out soon.

As I said at the beginning of this email, I plan to send weekly email updates from the Senate this year. A lot of people have signed up for my email updates, but I know there are a lot of folks who haven’t yet.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up for the updates at www.senatormassey.com.

Contact Me

If you need to contact me, you can get me by telephone (803-480-0419), email, or regular mail (P.O. Box 551, Edgefield, SC 29824).