Legislative Session Weekly Update, January 28-30
The third week of the legislative session consisted of committee meetings and floor deliberations. Governor Henry McMaster delivered his eighth annual State of the State Address, outlining his key priorities for the year, including higher teacher pay and increased income tax cuts. A full transcript of the address is available on the Governor’s website.
WREN’s main priority continues to be advocating for policies that support economic justice and reproductive freedom for women and girls in South Carolina. From protecting access to healthcare to fighting for workplace protections, our team is actively working to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard.
The Week in Review (January 28 – January 30):
• House Bill 3457, a bill imposing a total abortion ban, is gaining momentum in the House. While a hearing has yet to be scheduled, the bill has 35 sponsors, with several added throughout the week. At WREN, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to make their own decisions and safely care for their families and communities. We won’t stop fighting until that right is protected. You can help us fight back. Use this link to send an email to your local legislators and urge them to support accessible and affordable abortion for all.
• The House Ways and Means Healthcare Subcommittee heard from the newly established Department of Public Health. Director, Dr. Edward Simmer, highlighted a troubling reality: South Carolina has some of the worst maternal and infant health outcomes in the nation. To help combat this crisis, the department is requesting funding for a mobile OB/GYN clinic to serve counties without OB access. This unit would be staffed with an OB, a doctor, and ideally, a doula and a breastfeeding consultant to provide essential maternal care. WREN supports initiatives to expand access to reproductive healthcare, including maternal care, to ensure better health outcomes for families across South Carolina.
Moving Forward:
We have secured a hearing with bi-partisan support for one of our priority legislation bills,Senate Bill 47, which provides tax benefits for both employers who provide childcare and childcare workers themselves. This bill would help make childcare more accessible, reducing a major barrier to economic stability for women. Use this link to send an email to your local legislators and encourage them to support this crucial legislation.
This Week (February 4 – February 6):
The House Ways and Means Committee will continue to have budget hearings. We will continue to monitor developments, advocate for critical issues, and keep you informed as the session unfolds.
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.