125th Legislative Session Wrap-Up
As we look back over the past two years, it’s clear that the collaborative efforts between WREN and our dedicated partners have yielded significant progress in the 2023-2024 South Carolina legislative session.
This period has been marked by tireless advocacy, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and families across our state. From landmark legislation to grassroots mobilization, our collective endeavors have shaped policies and empowered communities, ensuring that the voices of South Carolinians are heard.
Join us as we delve into the highlights of our legislative achievements, the challenges we overcame, and the lasting impact of our work during this session.
Introduced 15 bills with our legislative partners across both the House and Senate
- Increasing Paid Leave for State Employees
- Paid leave teachers
- Allowing Campaign Funds for Caregiving
- Removing the tax from essential products
- Reproductive Health and Rights Act
- Decriminalizing Self-Managed Abortion
- Protecting IVF
- Uniform Antidiscrimination Act
Provided support for two partner bills
- Universal School Meals
- Tenants’ Right to Counsel
Advanced three bills through the legislative process
- Parental Leave for Education Workforce
- Removing the Tax on Period Products
- Allowing Campaign Funds for Dependent Care
Passed 5 of our policy priorities into law
- Parental Leave for Education Workforce
- Decriminalized self-managed abortion via an amendment to the six-week abortion ban
- Permanent coverage of contraception for dependents on state health plans via an amendment to the six-week abortion ban
- Removed the sales tax on period products
- Created a data reporting mechanism for newly formed paid family medical leave insurance programs
Fought against 36 legislative attacks on gender justice
- Seven abortion bans
- 27 anti-LGBTQ+ policies
- Two bills that would impact reproductive health education
Helped more than 50 advocates connect with their legislators during regular Meet Me at the Statehouse events
- Throughout the 2023-24 session, WREN hosted a Meet Me at the Statehouse program. These events took place every other week from January to May and helped advocates from across South Carolina learn and improve their advocacy skills. Advocates received training and support to engage with state lawmakers on gender justice topics.
- One highlight this year was the Meet Me at the Statehouse Partner Day held on April 3. Around 40 advocates and partners had the opportunity to interact directly with Senators. The atmosphere fostered energy, resilience, and collaborative advocacy among attendees. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants eager to return, highlighting the event’s success in creating a collaborative environment for skill-building and effective advocacy.
Connected with more than 4,900 South Carolinians in WREN’s action center from Jan 2023- May 2024:
- 2,936 advocates contacted their elected officials, making more than 13,731 legislator connections
- Sent 12,425 emails
- Made 1,306 phone calls
- Advocates spread the word by sharing more than 220 times on Twitter and 590 times on Facebook
What’s next?
This summer, we are conducting a survey to help us better understand the needs and preferences of our supporters and advocates so we can improve our programs and communications. Your passion, ideas, and commitment are crucial to continuing this vital work. Please visit this link to add your voice today.
Over the next six months, WREN will work with our network partners and coalition members to formulate our policy agenda for the next two-year legislative session, which will begin in January 2025. We will continue to prioritize bodily autonomy, reproductive freedom, economic dignity, LGBTQIA+ equality, and racial justice.
Together with you, we have laid a strong foundation during this session, but there is still much to be done. JOIN US.