Here are the highlights from the last week’s action in the Senate –
Golf cart paths along roadways – The Senate passed S. 211, a bill that will allow municipalities to create golf cart paths along sides of roadways, similar to bike paths.
Hunting of Feral Hogs, Coyotes, and Armadillos – The Senate passed S. 592, a bill to expand opportunities to hunt feral hogs, coyotes, and armadillos.
Hunting migratory waterfowl – The Senate passed H. 3393, a bill that would require a Federal Migratory Hunting and Conservation Stamp to hunt migratory waterfowl in the state.
Wear orange on WMAs – The Senate passed H. 3668, to require the wearing of a hat, coat, or vest of solid visible international orange while on Wildlife Management Areas during deer hunting season.
“Constitutional” carry – Last week the House of Representatives passed H. 3025, a bill that would allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without the requirement of a concealed weapons permit. South Carolina would continue to issue concealed weapons permits for purposes of reciprocity with other states, but the permit would not be required. The bill must now go through the committee process in the Senate. The Senate considered this issue last session but did not pass it.
Last Week’s Meetings
On Tuesday morning, I spoke with Ms. Nancy Cowart’s teacher cadet class at Fox Creek High School. We had a great discussion about issues facing South Carolina!
On Friday night, I attended Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet. There was a great crowd to see.
Constituent Interests
Aiken County Teacher of the Year – Congratulations to Ms. Rosalyn Green, a 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher at Jackson Middle, for being named the 2015-2016 Aiken County Teacher of the Year!
Edgefield County Veterans Affairs officer – The Edgefield County Legislative Delegation is seeking persons who are interested in serving Edgefield County as the County Veterans Affairs Officer (CVAO). The CVAO assists veterans and their dependents in determining eligibility for benefits, organizes events honoring veterans, and works with local veterans organizations to best serve Edgefield County’s veterans.
The opening is a full-time position for 35 hours/week.
Persons interested in being considered for appointment as Edgefield County Veterans Affairs Officer should visit the “Veterans Officer” page on my website.
Applications must be received by Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
Hearing on Palmetto Pipeline – Kinder Morgan plans to construct a pipeline carrying up to 167,000 barrels of refined petroleum products from Belton, South Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida. A portion of the pipeline will run through Aiken County, Edgefield County, and McCormick County. Kinder Morgan has agreed to hold a public hearing at the North Augusta Community Center (495 Brookside Avenue) at 6:00 on Thursday, May 21.
Want to see the General Assembly in Action? – The Senate meets in statewide session on Tuesdays at 12:00, Wednesdays at 2:00, and Thursdays at 11:00. Committees and subcommittees meet Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, and Thursday mornings. You can watch live coverage of the Senate, House of Representatives, and committees here.
Taxpayer Hero – The South Carolina Club for Growth named me one of its Taxpayer Heroes for 2014. You can read the press release here, see the scorecard here, and see the explanation of scored votes here.
Our Senate District – Senate district 25 consists of all of Edgefield County and parts of Aiken, Lexington, McCormick, and Saluda Counties. If you’d like to see the district map, go here.
Voting Record – If you’d like to see how I’ve voted on issues, 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.