family values

I believe strong families hold society together - I do all I can to support traditional family values. 

Pro-life

I am 100% pro-life. I represent the unborn tirelessly in the State House. I strongly advocated for and voted for the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Act that passed the House in 2017. I co-sponsored the Fetal Personhood Bill that would legally grant the unborn the status of human beings. In the face of strong opposition, I successfully introduced an amendment to the budget that effectively defunds Planned Parenthood in S.C. Click here to see video of the House voting to defund Planned Parenthood.

In 2019, I introduced Dylan’s Law in the legislature and it passed both houses.  We were all honored when Governor McMaster came to the Genetic Center in Greenwood to sign it with affected families looking on.  Now all newborns in SC will be screened for three genetic disorders including Krabbe Disease so they can receive lifesaving treatment in time.


I authored and was the primary sponsor for the Heartbeat Bill (S. C. Fetal Heartbeat Protection from Abortion Act H. 3020) that would ban abortions if a heartbeat is detectable. With the active help of Family Caucus members and most Republican Caucus members, we were able to pass this bill in the House in 2019 by a margin of 70-31 with 21 not voting. The Heartbeat Bill died in the Senate, but after the 2020 elections newly elected Senators including Sen, Billy Garrett (Greenwood) gave the Senate victory. It was finally signed into law in 2021by the Governor, only to be struck down by our own SC Supreme Court in late 2022.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, I chaired a special Ad Hoc committee that drafted the Human Life Protection Act in the Fall of 2022. That bill passed twice in the House and was narrowly defeated in the Senate. After the Heartbeat Bill was declared unconstitutional by the SC Supreme court, I helped re-write the bill that we passed in 2023, despite a Democrat filibuster of almost 1,000 amendments. The fight for life is difficult, complicated and engaging, but I will never give up on those who cannot defend themselves.

TOUGH ON CRIME

Unfortunately, the dangerous Fentanyl pills have been pouring across our southern border and is killing 1,000 South Carolinians a year. I co-sponsored a new Fentanyl Trafficking bill that includes new stiffer penalties and mandatory minimums. I made sure I was there when this bill was signed into law by Governor McMaster.

Another important bill I co-sponsored and fought for was a Bond Reform bill to help stop the revolving door for violent and dangerous criminals while their trials are pending. While it passed there is more to do on this issue. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=635783948356531&set=a.302384681696461

Finally, we passed a Sextortion Bill to criminalize this evil type of extortion that destroys families and often results in death.

traditional marriage

I believe that marriage is the God-ordained union between one man and one woman, which is how it is defined by S. C. law. 

Education

Our PARENTS AND children

Superior education for our children is one of the legislature’s most important issues. At stake is no less than the future of our state. Parents should have the right to be able to see what their children are being taught to prevent indoctrination in the form of Marxist CRT, and the LBGTQ agenda. I will continue to sponsor and work for legislation to accomplish this.

OUR TEACHERS   

Our teacher shortage is real in SC, and action needs to be taken. I voted for Education reform that would consolidate failing school districts, raise teacher pay to the southeast average, eliminate unnecessary classroom testing, reduce class sizes and provide for mandatory planning periods for teachers. In 2022, I voted for the budget that raised starting teacher pay to 40k and removed the 10k retirement cap. In 2023, I voted for another $2,500 raise for starting teachers, and raises for all teachers. In fact, I have voted for teacher raises every session since I have been in the legislature and my goal is to get to the national average for starting teacher pay.

SCHOOL Safety

Our schools must be safe.  Ever since our Oakland tragedy, I have advocated for an armed school resource officer in every school.  I co-signed a bill to help school districts make this a reality and voted in 2021 to fund an SRO in every school. I also voted for legislation that now allows retired law enforcement to serve as SROs without losing their retirement benefits. 

School Choice

Our Faithful Community

We are blessed with benevolent organizations in Greenwood that strengthen our community. I have publicly recognized the Burton Center, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, Faith Home, Volunteers in Medical Missions, Greater Greenwood United Ministry, Beckman Mental Health, Crossroads Women’s Center, Pathway House, and others for their immeasurable positive impact on the Lakelands community.
 

Threats To The Family 

Human trafficking has been uncovered in our state. I supported our Attorney General in the fight to eradicate this abhorrent human rights violation.  I also voted to strengthen our obscenity laws.

Common sense tells us that biological males should not be competing with girls and women in school sports. This is why I co-sponsored the "Save Women's Sports Act" and fought for this bill until it finally became the law of SC in 2022.

I am a strong supporter of the “Help not Harm” bill (https://familypolicyalliance.com/help-not-harm/) to prevent irreparable harm to children by drugs and surgery under the guise of “gender affirming care,” or “sex change.” I am making it a priority to fight for this measure being passed as soon as possible to protect children.