Push Digital, Author at Shane Massey for State Senate

Legislative Update: Week Of 5/4/21 – 5/6/21

Last week was the 17th week of the 2021 legislative session. This is the last week of the General Assembly’s regular session, although the legislature will return in June to finalize the state budget, September to appropriate federal money, and toward the end of the year to deal with redistricting. Here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

OPEN CARRY – The Senate spent most of the week debating H.3094 2021-2022 Bill 3094: Open Carry with Training Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov). The bill passed on Thursday night. Here are the highlights:

– Concealed Weapons Permit holders would be authorized to carry their weapons concealed or openly

– Eliminates the $50 fee charged by SLED for CWP applications

– Makes South Carolina a sanctuary state as it relates to the carrying of concealable weapons

– Requires courts to report within 5 days any judicial actions that would disqualify a person from possessing or carrying weapons

I have heard from many people who were unhappy the Senate did not adopt “constitutional carry,” a provision that would allow people to carry concealable weapons a permit. I voted against that amendment because it would eliminate the requirement for training and background checks to carry. I believe training and background checks are important and perfectly consistent with the Second Amendment. Nevertheless, the passage of this bill would unquestionably be the most significant expansion of gun rights in South Carolina since 2013 and arguably the most significant expansion since the CWP program was established in the mid-1990s. When this bill becomes law, it will be a huge win for gun rights while also making it more difficult for criminals to purchase and carry weapons. The bill will now return to the House of Representatives.

FISHING CATCH LIMITS AND LICENSE FEES – The Senate passed H. 3957 2021-2022 Bill 3957: Flounder- catch size and limits – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would reduce the catch limit for certain flounder and increase the fees for a saltwater fishing license. The bill will now return to the House.

COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES – The Senate passed H. 3244 2021-2022 Bill 3244: Employment First Initiative Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require state government to implement policies for competitive employment for South Carolinians with disabilities. The House will now consider Senate amendments.

PROSTITUTION AND SEX TRAFFICKING – The Senate passed S. 224 2021-2022 Bill 224: Prostitution – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov) , a bill that would increase penalties for prostitution and S. 230 2021-2022 Bill 230: Trafficking victims, minors – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would increase penalties for sexual exploitation of minors and promoting minors into prostitution. The purpose of the bills is to provide additional tools to law enforcement to combat sex trafficking. The bills will now go to the House.

PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS – The Senate passed H. 3482 2021-2022 Bill 3482: Property tax, installment payments – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow local governments to accept installment payments for property taxes. The bill will go to Governor McMaster.

EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS – The Senate passed H. 3899 2021-2022 Bill 3899: Exceptional needs tax credit – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would enhance the exceptional needs tax credit and allow individuals to claim a higher credit. The bill is aimed at increasing the use and effectiveness of Exceptional Needs Scholarships. The bill will go back to the House.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map here.

How is the gas tax being used? – SCDOT’s website allows you to view a detailed revenue statement and project list that is funded by the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund (IMTF). SCDOT updates this site monthly as the revenue comes in. You can see that report here.

WANT TO SEE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ACTION? – The Senate meets in statewide session on Tuesdays at 12:00, Wednesdays at 1:00, and Thursdays at 11:00. Committees and subcommittees meet Wednesday mornings and Thursday mornings. You can watch live coverage of the Senate, House of Representatives, and committees 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, 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 Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 4/20/21 – 4/22/21

Last week was the 15th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 3 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THIEVERY – The Senate passed H. 3991 2021-2022 Bill 3991: Nonferrous Metals – Catalytic Converters – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would make it a crime to purchase, sale, or possess a detached catalytic converter unless the person has a permit. This bill is an effort to combat a rash of catalytic converter thefts. The House of Representatives will now consider Senate changes.

STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION – The Senate passed. S. 231 2021-2022 Bill 231: Student Identification Card Suicide Prevention Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require that schools and universities print the telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline on all student identification cards. The bill will now go to the House.

OVER-THE-COUNTER CONTRACEPTIVES – The Senate passed S. 628 2021-2022 Bill 628: Pharmacy Access Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow women to purchase birth control without a doctor’s prescription. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

RETURN TO SCHOOL AND RETIRED TEACHERS – The Senate and House agreed on language to S.704 2021-2022 Bill 704: SCRS, earning limitations – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that requires all school districts to offer five-day, in-person instruction no later than April 12, 2021, and for the entire 2021-2022 school year. The resolution would create a temporary, 3-year program to allow retired teachers who have been retired for at least two years to return to the classroom and earn up to $50,000/year while still collecting their state retirement benefits. Governor McMaster signed the resolution into law last week.

REINFORCING COLLEGE EDUCATION ON AMERICA’S CONSTITUTIONAL HERITAGE (REACH) – The Senate passed and House agreed on language to S.38 2021-2022 Bill 38: Reinforcing College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act (REACH Act) – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that requires all public high school students to complete a course covering the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Federalist Papers in order to graduate. Additionally, the bill
requires all public college and university students to complete at least three credit hours in American history, American government, or an equivalent class that includes the students’ reading of the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, at least 5 essays from the Federalist Papers, and documents that are foundational to the African American freedom struggle. I expect Governor McMaster to sign the bill into law this week.

SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION – The Senate and House agreed to changes to H. 3589 South Carolina Legislature Online – Bill Search by Bill Number (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that allows each school district to create innovative and creative schools within the district to offer education choices outside the traditional public school model. If approved by the state board of education, these schools would have greater flexibility from state statutes and regulations. Governor McMaster signed the bill into law last week.

PALMETTO FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS AT TECHNICAL COLLEGES – The Senate passed H. 3107 2021-2022 Bill 3017: Palmetto Fellows Scholarship – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow students who earn the prestigious Palmetto Fellowship scholarships to use those scholarships at technical colleges and four-year universities. Since those scholarships were created, their use has been limited to four-year schools only. The House will now consider Senate changes.

DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES – The Senate confirmed the nomination of Robbie Kerr to serve as Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state agency charged with handling the Medicaid program. Mr. Kerr served as director during Governor Sanford’s first term and is credited with making a number of positive changes.

SANTEE COOPER – The Senate spent most of the week debating and ultimately passed H. 3194 2021-2022 Bill 3194: Assets – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would impose meaningful accountability and oversight of Santee Cooper. An amendment to allow for a process to sell the embattled state-owned utility failed. The resolution would make the following changes:

– Board members – all board members who served during VC Summer debacle would be removed from the board over the next 3 ½ years and would be prohibited from being reappointed. This would affect all but one of the existing members. Future board members’ terms would be reduced from 7 years to 4 years, and those board members would be limited to no more than 3 terms.

– Rates – Santee Cooper would have to publish its pricing principles, notify customers of rate increase requests, and allow customers to comment at public hearings. The Office of Regulatory Staff would also be involved in reviewing and commenting on rates. Customers or ORS could appeal rate increases to the South Carolina Supreme Court.

– Office of Regulatory Staff – the resolution would authorize ORS to investigate, inspect, and review all Santee Cooper operations. ORS would have subpoena power to ensure Santee Cooper compliance. This is a significant accountability measure.

– Integrated Resource Plans – Santee Cooper would have to submit its IRP, a 10-year plan for future activities, the Public Service Commission for review and approval. A plan would have to be approved every 3 years with annual reports. This was a major win for accountability and oversight by treating Santee Cooper like Dominion and Duke for long-range planning.

– Siting – Santee Cooper would have to get Public Service Commission approval for the construction of all new generation facilities, just like Dominion and Duke. This is a significant reform.

– Debt review – Santee Cooper would have to get approval from the Joint Bond Review Committee for all borrowing. This will have a major impact on Santee Cooper’s future debt load.

The bill will now go back to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.

2021-2022 STATE BUDGET – The Senate will debate the budget this week. I will update you next week on the details.

OPEN CARRY – A Senate subcommittee will meet on Tuesday to consider H.3094 2021-2022 Bill 3094: Open Carry with Training Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow Concealed Weapons Permit holders to carry their weapons concealed or openly. I will update you next week.

COVID Information

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Abbeville Area Medical Center – Important Coronavirus Information | Abbeville Area Medical Center (abbevilleareamc.com)

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

For those who do not have internet access, DHEC launched a new phone number – 866-365-8110 – that is staffed with 240 operators to answer calls 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and help schedule vaccine appointments.

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 4/13/21 – 4/15/21

Last week was the 14th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 4 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021.

The Senate spent little time on the floor last week to allow the Senate Finance Committee to complete its work on the state budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The full Senate will debate the budget next week, the week of April 27.

Here are the highlights from last week’s limited floor action in the Senate:

BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR REALTORS – The legislature passed legislation in 2014 to require realtors to pass background checks before receiving licenses. Last week, the Senate passed H.3664 2021-2022 Bill 3664: Criminal background checks – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow the use of social security numbers in those background checks. The bill will now go to the governor.

ELECTION INTEGRITY– I have heard from many of you about concerns regarding election integrity in South Carolina. Last year proved that South Carolina’s election laws are strong in minimizing fraud but also ensure all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast a ballot. Those laws are only as strong as those who are charged with defending them, though. I wrote this opinion piece last week to express my thoughts on what needs to be done. Opinion: These South Carolina election law issues must be fixed – Shane Massey for State Senate (senatormassey.com)

SANTEE COOPER – I expect the Senate will spend time this week debating the future of Santee Cooper. I will update you next week on how that debate goes.

COVID Information

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Abbeville Area Medical Center – Important Coronavirus Information | Abbeville Area Medical Center (abbevilleareamc.com)

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Opinion: These South Carolina election law issues must be fixed

This piece was originally printed in the Greenville News on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

By Senator Shane Massey

South Carolina’s election laws are strong and fair. That was evident in 2020 with record turnout and statewide confidence in the results.

But there are major issues that must be addressed: the State Election Commission’s failure to defend our election laws, and Gov. Henry McMaster’s refusal to hold the commission accountable.

Last year our election laws were challenged five times in federal court and once in state court.

One lawsuit alleged that some counties were improperly verifying signatures on absentee ballots and inconsistently addressing signature discrepancies. In response to that suit, the House of Representatives passed legislation to give the State Election Commission “plenary authority,” meaning complete and absolute power, to ensure consistent application and enforcement of election laws.

But the problem is not that the commission lacks authority to enforce the law. Current law already requires the commission’s director to communicate with county offices, supervise their conduct, and ensure they comply with the law. If county officials refuse to comply, the commission can revoke local officials’ credentials and recommend they be fired.

The problem is not that the commission and its director cannot enforce state law. The problem is they don’t.

State law allows voters to return absentee ballots in person, but those ballots must be delivered to election officials to confirm the returner’s identity and must be stored in a locked box inside the office. This law combats ballot harvesting, and it’s why we do not allow drop boxes. The director knew state law prohibits drop boxes, and she knew some counties have used them in past elections anyway. She did not stop it.

In March 2020, about six weeks before last year’s statewide primaries, the director recommended that legislators remove the witness signature requirement for absentee ballots and allow all voters to vote by mail. She suggested preemptively mailing ballots to all registered voters and allowing voters to return their ballots at drop boxes. That letter was later used against South Carolina in federal court.

State law requiring absentee ballots to have a witness signature deters fraud and gives law enforcement tools to investigate fraud claims. The federal plaintiffs asked the court to eliminate that requirement for last year’s primaries.

The State Election Commission, clearly opposed to the law, put up a tepid defense. The court struck the witness requirement. The commission did not appeal. Consequently, absentee voters were not required to have a witness signature for the 2020 primaries.

In another federal suit, the plaintiffs claimed that requiring absentee voters to put a stamp on the return envelope was the equivalent of a poll tax. After receiving approval from McMaster’s office, the commission essentially conceded the point and agreed to provide postage-paid envelopes to all absentee voters.

In July 2020, the commission’s director sent a second letter to legislative leadership, again recommending that the legislature remove the witness requirement for absentee ballots, allow drop boxes, and establish a vote-by-mail program. That letter was used as the basis for a lawsuit filed in state court.

The federal plaintiffs then asked the court to eliminate the witness requirement for November’s general election. At that point, after the director’s letters and the commission’s lukewarm defense of state law, the president of the Senate and the Speaker of the House intervened.

When the federal district court again struck the witness requirement, President Harvey Peeler and Speaker Jay Lucas appealed to defend state law, and the United States Supreme Court upheld South Carolina’s witness requirement.

But that would not have happened if the commission had been allowed to continue its weak defense of state law.

So how do the commissioners and director get their jobs? Who supervises them?

Current law allows the governor to appoint and supervise all five commissioners. The commission selects the director. There is no other check.

Despite last year’s actions, McMaster has made no changes. All commissioners and the director still have their jobs.

The Senate recently passed legislation to require Senate advice and consent for all commission appointments and the executive director. McMaster called the Senate’s action a “power grab.”

But requiring advice and consent merely treats the commission and its director like nearly every state agency, an important part of the framers’ system of checks and balances. And it’s especially important when the governor is disengaged.

South Carolina’s election laws are strong. But those charged with enforcing and defending our laws have been weak. That’s the problem we all have to fix.

A. Shane Massey, a Republican from Edgefield, represents the 25th District in the South Carolina Senate. Massey became the Republican Majority Leader in 2016.

Legislative Update: Week Of 3/30/21 – 4/1/21

Last week was the 12th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 6 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

PROPERTY TAXES FOR SEPARATED COUPLES – The Senate passed S. 527 2021-2022 Bill 527: Legally separated – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow married, but separated, spouses to have each spouse’s residential property taxed at the residential rate. To qualify for both residential rates, the couple must have filed an action for separate support and maintenance in the family court. Currently, married spouses are limited to one residential property tax rate even if they are in the midst of a divorce action. The House will now consider the bill.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE – The Senate amended and passed H. 3770, 2021-2022 Bill 3770: Emergency Rental Assistance Program – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would authorize the SC Housing, Financing, and Development Authority to use nearly $272 million in federal funds for an emergency rental assistance program to help pay rent and utilities. A utility, landlord, or tenant could submit an application. The resolution will return to the House of Representatives for consideration of Senate amendments.

LEFT LANE DRIVERS – The Senate passed H. 3011 2021-2022 Bill 3011: Driving on the right half of road – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would restrict cruising in the left lane of an interstate with 3 or more lanes. There are exceptions for passing, when there is no trailing traffic, and other factors. The bill will now go back to the House.

ATTORNEY FEES FOR TAXPAYERS IN TAX SUITS – The Senate passed S. 154 2021-2022 Bill 154: Revenue Department, taxation – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow taxpayers to recover attorney fees if they are successful in legal challenges against the Department of Revenue. The bill will now go to the House.

GRADUATE NURSES – The Senate passed S. 455 2021-2022 Bill 455: Nurses, temporary licensure – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow graduate nurses to work under certain circumstances. The House will now consider the bill.

PARTY COUNTY CONVENTIONS – The Senate passed H. 3264 2021-2022 Bill 3264: County conventions, required notices – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would delete the requirement that political parties must advertise their biennial county conventions in local newspapers. The bill will now go to Governor McMaster.

RETURN TO SCHOOL AND RETIRED TEACHERS – The Senate passed S. 704 2021-2022 Bill 704: SCRS, earning limitations – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would require all school districts to offer five-day, in-person instruction no later than April 12, 2021, and for the entire 2021-2022 school year. The resolution would create a temporary, 3 year program to allow retired teachers who have been retired for at least two years to return to the classroom and earn up to $50,000/year while still collecting their state retirement benefits. The resolution will now go to the House of Representatives.

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION – The Senate passed S. 499 2021-2022 Bill 499: SC Election Commission Restructuring Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require Senate confirmation for gubernatorial appointments to the State Election Commission and for the Executive Director of the State Election Commission. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining. You can see the daily numbers here.

Please continue to wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – As of Wednesday, March 31, all South Carolina residents 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Abbeville Area Medical Center – Important Coronavirus Information | Abbeville Area Medical Center (abbevilleareamc.com)

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 3/23/21 – 3/25/21

Last week was the 11th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 7 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

MASSAGE THERAPY – The Senate passed S. 227 2021-2022 Bill 227: Massage Therapy Practice Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require massage therapists to be licensed and regulate the profession. This bill is an effort to address a growing human trafficking issue in South Carolina and around the country. The House will now consider the bill.

HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES – The Senate passed H. 3547 2021-2022 Bill 3549: Hunting and fishing licenses – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow hunters and fishermen to present licenses electronically on mobile devices rather than having the physical license in their possession. The bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for consideration of Senate amendments.

COBIA – The Senate passed H. 3684 2021-2022 Bill 3684: Cobia – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would set catch limits for cobia. The bill has already passed the House and will now go to the governor.

INCOME TAX FILING EXTENSION – Last week the IRS announced that it was extending the deadline for US Income Tax returns from April 15 until May 17. In response to that action, the Senate passed S. 689 2021-2022 Bill 689: Income tax return due date extension – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would extend the deadline for state income tax returns to match the new federal deadline. The resolution will now go to the House of Representatives.

PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN PUBLIC SCHOOL SPORTS – The Senate passed S. 615 2021-2022 Bill 615: Interscholastic activities – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would authorize private school students to try out for athletic teams at their local public high schools if the private schools they attend do not offer that sport. The House will now consider the bill.

HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS PLAYING PUBLIC SCHOOL SPORTS – Since many public schools have not offered 5 days of instruction for much of the 2020-2021 school year because of COVID, many students transferred to charter, private, and homeschool settings to ensure they received full, five-day instruction. Current law allows homeschooled students to try out for athletic teams at their local high schools, but that law requires the homeschooled students to sit out one academic year if they transfer from a public school to a homeschool. Last week, the Senate passed H. 3925 2021-2022 Bill 3925: Homeschool student interscholastic participation waiver – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would allow those homeschooled students to compete in public school sports during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years without sitting out a year. This will be a temporary measure in response to COVID. The resolution will return to the House with a Senate amendment.

PAY FOR SUCCESS CONTRACTS – The Senate passed S. 461 2021-2022 Bill 461: SC Pay for Success Performance Accountability – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would authorize state agencies to enter into pay for success contracts with private providers. This is an effort to encourage more productivity and efficiency from private providers. The House will now consider the bill.

PHYSICIANS ASSISTANTS AND ADVANCE PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES – The Senate passed S. 503
2021-2022 Bill 503: Physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would authorize PA’s and APRN’s to issue orders for home health services. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining. You can see the daily numbers here.

Please wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – As of Wednesday, March 31, all South Carolina residents 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

How is South Carolina doing in the administration of the vaccine? – As of Sunday, March 28, South Carolina had received 2,628,970 doses (501,970 more than last Sunday) and has administered 1,911,884 doses (263,807 more than last Sunday). You can keep up with how many doses we have received and administered here. This site is updated daily.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 3/16/21 – 3/18/21

Last week was the 10th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 8 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

IN-STATE TUITION FOR VETERANS – The Senate passed S. 241 2021-2022 Bill 241: Military tuition rates – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow veterans to attend South Carolina’s university, colleges, and technical colleges at in-state tuition rates even if they have not met the required residency requirements. The House will now consider the bill.

REQUIRED ALCOHOL TRAINING FOR RESTAURANT SERVERS – The Senate passed S. 472 2021-2022 Bill 472: Responsible Alcohol Server Training Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require restaurant servers to complete an alcohol servers training course in order to work as a server at a restaurant that serves alcohol. The House will now consider the bill.

ELECTRONIC NOTARIES – The Senate passed S. 631 2021-2022 Bill 631: SC Electronic Notary Public Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow for the electronic notarization of certain documents. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

PLASTIC RECYCLING MANUFACTURERS – The Senate passed S. 525 2021-2022 Bill 525: Solid Waste Policy and Management Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would create a new permitting program for manufacturers that recycle plastics. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining. You can see the daily numbers here.

Please wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – As of Monday, March 8, South Carolina has opened Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution. Here’s who’s eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B:

Anyone aged 55 and up

People aged 16-54 with increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease, such as Cancer (current, not a history of cancer), chronic kidney disease (any stage), chronic lung disease, diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), Down syndrome, heart disease (congestive heart disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension), HIV/AIDS, solid organ transplant, obesity (BMI > 30), pregnancy, sickle cell disease.

Frontline workers with increased occupational risk, such as school staff and daycare workers, criminal justice staff, government employees, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, and law enforcement officers.

Individuals at increased risk in settings where people are living and working in close contact

All workers in healthcare and community health settings who have routine, direct patient contact and were not vaccinated in Phase 1a

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

WHAT IF I’M NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER PHASE 1B? – DHEC estimates that Phase 1c eligibility will begin the week of April 12 and Phase 2 will begin the week of May 3. You can see more information about phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

How is South Carolina doing in the administration of the vaccine? – As of Sunday, March 21, South Carolina had received 2,127,000 doses (333,362 more than last Sunday) and has administered 1,648,077 doses (196,368 more than last Sunday). You can keep up with how many doses we have received and administered here. This site is updated daily.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 3/9/21 – 3/11/21

Last week was the 9th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 9 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. The Senate spent most of last week working in committees, but here are the highlights from last week’s floor action in the Senate:

TORT CLAIMS ACT – South Carolina, like other states and federal government, has a tort claims act that waives its immunity from lawsuits in certain situations. That law also sets a maximum limit that the state or local governments would have to pay as a result of a tortious act. In South Carolina, that limit is $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence (regardless of the number of persons injured). Last week, the Senate passed debate S. 82 2021-2022 Bill 82: Liability limitations – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would raise that cap on damage payouts to $500,000 per person and $1,000,000. While the increased limits are good for people who are harmed by negligent acts of government employees, raising the caps will increase premiums paid by the state, counties, municipalities, school districts, special purpose districts, most hospitals, and charitable organizations. The House will now consider the bill.

OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS – The Senate passed S. 571 2021-2022 Bill 571: Naloxone – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require physicians to write a prescription for Naloxone when they write prescription for opiods. Naloxone has been used to combat opioid-induced depression and opioid overdoses. The patient would not be required to fill the Naloxone prescription, but it would be available if he chose to do so. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

HOME-BASED FOODS – The Senate passed S. 506 2021-2022 Bill 506: Home-based food products – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would expand the allowable sales of home-based foods. Certain non-hazardous foods could be sold to retailers and then resold to the public. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

EXPANDED COVID VACCINES – The Senate passed H. 3900 2021-2022 Bill 3900: COVID-19 vaccine administration, podiatrists – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would authorize podiatrists to administer the COVID vaccine shots. The bill will be returned to the House.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining. You can see the daily numbers here.

Please wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – As of Monday, March 8, South Carolina has opened Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution. Here’s who’s eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B:

Anyone aged 55 and up

Individuals at increased risk in settings where people are living and working in close contact

All workers in healthcare and community health settings who have routine, direct patient contact and were not vaccinated in Phase 1a

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

How is South Carolina doing in the administration of the vaccine? – As of Sunday, March 14, South Carolina had received 1,793,638 doses (182,120 more than last Sunday) and has administered 1,451,709 doses (220,350 more than last Sunday). You can keep up with how many doses we have received and administered here. This site is updated daily.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 3/2/21 – 3/4/21

Last week was the 8th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 10 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week in the Senate:

REINFORCING COLLEGE EDUCATION ON AMERICA’S CONSTITUTIONAL HERITAGE (REACH) – The Senate passed S.38 2021-2022 Bill 38: Reinforcing College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act (REACH Act) – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would require all public high school students to complete a course covering the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Federalist Papers in order to graduate. Additionally, the bill would require all public college and university students to complete at least three credit hours in American history, American government, or an equivalent class that includes the students’ reading of the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and at least 5 essays from the Federalist Papers. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

SCHOOLS OF INNOVATION – The Senate passed H. 3589 South Carolina Legislature Online – Bill Search by Bill Number (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow each school district to create innovative and creative schools within the district to offer education choices outside the traditional public school model. If approved by the state board of education, these schools would have greater flexibility from state statutes and regulations. Three districts have created schools under this framework, and those schools have shown incredible progress. The bill will be returned to the House.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT – South Carolina law currently allows death row inmates to choose between two methods of execution: lethal injection and electrocution. However, because of significant pressure on drug makers from death penalty opponents, the state has been unable to acquire the necessary drugs to conduct lethal injection executions. Therefore, practically, South Carolina has been unable to carry out death sentences for several years. Last week, the Senate passed S. 200 2021-2022 Bill 200: Executions – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would authorize the Department of Corrections to use electrocution or a firing squad if it cannot acquire the drugs necessary for lethal injection. The bill will now go to the House.

LIEN ENFORCEMENT – The Senate passed S. 105 2021-2022 Bill 105: Lien enforcement before magistrate court – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would allow magistrate courts to enforce liens up to the court’s jurisdictional limit, currently $7,500. Current law gives magistrates authority to enforce liens only if the liens are for less than $100. The bill will now go to the House.

CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING – The Senate passed H. 3608 2021-2022 Bill 3608: Charter School District, funding – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that sends $9 million to the statewide charter school district to fill a funding gap for this academic year. Charter schools have seen a massive increase in student enrollment this year because charters
have been offering five days of in-person instruction the entire academic year. In fact, there are more than 40,000 children on waiting lists across the state. Despite the significant increase in new students, there was no commensurate increase in funding. This resolution ensures that schools in the statewide charter school district will be able to finish the school year without funding cuts.

SALARY STEP INCREASES FOR TEACHERS – Most teachers receive an annual salary increase of approximately 2%. When the legislature passed the state budget last May, legislators suspended those increases for this academic year because budget writers were unsure if the state would have enough tax revenue to fund those increases. With more reliable revenue forecasts available, the House and Senate have passed H. 3609 2021-2022 Bill 3609: Teacher salaries – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a resolution that would reinstate those step increases for the 2020-2021 school year, retroactive to the beginning of the school year. Teachers will receive the full allotment in one lump-sum payment before June 15.

STATE AIRPLANE – You may have read this article in The State newspaper SC Democrat Rutherford takes new wife on state plane trips | The State, highlighting misuse of the two taxpayer funded state airplanes. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first misuse of the planes. In fact, in 2013 the Senate voted to sell the planes following similar abuse, but the House declined. The 2013 abuses did lead to a renewed effort to ensure proper usage limited to official state business. While those protections worked for a while, they clearly didn’t solve the problem. If we can’t adequately fix the problem and protect taxpayers’ investment, I have proposed that we just sell the planes. SC Senate leader: Sell state planes if aren’t used right (apnews.com). I will keep you updated with what happens.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining. You can see the daily numbers here.

Please wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – As of Monday, March 8, South Carolina has opened Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution. Here’s who’s eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B:

Anyone aged 55 and up

Individuals at increased risk in settings where people are living and working in close contact

All workers in healthcare and community health settings who have routine, direct patient contact and were not vaccinated in Phase 1a

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

How is South Carolina doing in the administration of the vaccine? – As of Sunday, March 7, South Carolina had received 1,611,518 doses (408,108 more than last Sunday) and has administered 1,231,359 doses (301,784 more than last Sunday). You can keep up with how many doses we have received and administered here. This site is updated daily.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).

Legislative Update: Week Of 2/23/21 – 2/25/21

Last week was the 7th week of the 2021 legislative session. There are 11 legislative weeks remaining before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 13, 2021. Here are the highlights from last week in the Senate:

COVID LIABILITY PROTECTIONS – The Senate passed S. 147 2021-2022 Bill 147: SC COVID-19 Liability Safe Harbor Act – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov), a bill that would give businesses and nonprofits immunity from being sued if someone contracts COVID or fears he may contract COVID as long as the business or nonprofit reasonably complies with public health guidance. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives.

BONDING FOR PORT EXPANSION – I discussed S. 491 2021-2022 Bill 491: Economic Development Bonds – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov) , a resolution that would allow the state to borrow up to $550 million to expand rail access to the Port of Charleston and extend the existing docks, in last week’s update. After lengthy debate, the Senate passed the resolution last Wednesday. The House will now consider the resolution.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK IN PERSONAL FINANCE – The Senate passed S. 16 2021-2022 Bill 16: Graduation requirements – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov) , a bill that would require high school students to complete a one-semester course in personal finance prior to graduation. The bill will now go to the House.

BLUE CATFISH – The Senate passed S. 36 2021-2022 Bill 36: Blue catfish – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov) , a bill that would increase the number of blue catfish that a person is permitted to catch from Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, or the Santee River. The bill will now go to the House.

BOATING EDUCATION COURSE – The Senate passed S. 497 2021-2022 Bill 497: Boating safety and education program – South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov) , a bill that would require a person born after July 1, 2006, to complete a boating education course before operating a 10hp or greater watercraft or jet ski. A person who has not completed a course would be exempt if someone else on the watercraft has successfully completed an education course. The House will now consider the bill.

COVID Information

Virus Numbers – South Carolina’s infection rate has been declining, but it is still too high. You can see the daily numbers here.

We have to do a better job of controlling the spread of the virus. Please wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and wash our hands frequently. We can all help this process if we take these steps.

Testing Sites – You can find COVID testing locations near you here.

Vaccine eligibility – South Carolina is currently in Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution. Here’s who’s eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1A:

Frontline healthcare workers who are high risk of exposure and mission-critical to the overarching goal of preventing death

Residents and staff of long-term care facilities

Admitted hospital patients who are aged 65 years and older

Anyone 65 years and older

State/local government employees and their contractors who are mission-critical for maintaining operations of COVID-19 vaccinations and testing

You can read more information about the phases and eligibility here.

What if I’m not eligible under Phase 1a? – DHEC estimates that Phase 1b eligibility will begin “Early Spring” and the remaining phases will follow. You can see more information about phases and eligibility here.

How do I get the vaccine? – DHEC has updated its list of vaccine locations here.

In addition to the locations identified on the map, in our area you can request vaccines through the following local hospital websites:

Aiken Regional Medical Centers – COVID-19 Vaccine | Aiken Regional Medical Centers

AU Health – COVID-19 Phase 1a Vaccination (augustahealth.org)

Lexington Medical Center – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine | Lexington Medical Center (lexmed.com)

Self Regional Healthcare – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information, Prevention and Preparedness – Self Regional Healthcare | Greenwood, SC

Appointments should be scheduled because walk ins may not be able to receive the vaccine.

How is South Carolina doing in the administration of the vaccine? – As of Sunday, February 28, South Carolina had received 1,203,410 doses (80,860 more than last Sunday) and has administered 929,575 doses (158,833 more than last Sunday). You can keep up with how many doses we have received and administered here. This site is updated daily.

Constituent Interests

SCDOT ROAD PROJECTS – SCDOT has an interactive map to allow citizens to see the road and bridge projects going on around the state. You can see that map 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, and clicking on the “Voting Record” tab.

Sincerely,
Shane Massey
P.O. Box 551
Edgefield, SC 29824
Email: shanemassey@scsenate.gov
Cell Phone: (803) 480-0419

P.S. Please visit www.senatormassey.com for more posts, news, and video updates. Also, please “friend” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter (@shanemassey).