COLUMBIA, South Carolina (WSPA) – This week, the new-looking South Carolina House of Representatives met for the first time since last month’s election.
Sumter County Republican Murrell Smith is gearing up for his first term as House Speaker. “It will focus on what I call the ‘notebook problem,'” he said.
The House of Representatives welcomed 27 new members this week. House Republicans also currently hold a majority in 88 of the 124 seats.
“My priority as president is that everyone is elected by the same number of people and deserves the same amount of respect as anyone else in this body,” Smith said.
Economic development is at the forefront of the House agenda for 2023, Smith said. Certain conditions must be approved. We have enjoyed great economic success, but we must continue to ensure the most business-friendly environment in the country. “
He also said public safety is a priority in the House. They will consider bond reform to keep violent repeat offenders in prison and take steps to address the fentanyl problem.
When it comes to education, both House Republicans and Democrats have said they want teacher salaries to rise. House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford (D-Richland) said House Democrats are looking forward to getting down to business.
“As long as we put South Carolina first and make sure that when we come to the State Capitol, South Carolina has a superior idea on our minds, we’ll all be fine. I believe it will.
Rutherford said the House should consider a bill to legalize medical marijuana and sports betting in 2023. he said: People want to gamble, and smartphone apps allow them to gamble right now, so why can’t we give South Carolina the ability to take advantage of that?”
The first day of the new legislative session is January 10th.
