With leaders picked, S.C. lawmakers are ready for next session
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - For the last time this calendar year, lawmakers gaveled into session at the State House on Wednesday.
Their goal was to get reorganized for the first time since the election – to prepare to start a new legislative session in just over a month.
On Wednesday, senators took care of the tasks they must do every term – adopting rules, picking seats, and asg committees.
Republicans will hold a supermajority next session in the Senate for the first time in more than 150 years – after the November election.
“It’s going to change the debate obviously with some things, and the personalities are different. … I think it makes the job a little more difficult because we have more people, but I’m excited about the opportunities that come with it, too,” said Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield.
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For more than a dozen , it’s their first time taking their seats in the Senate chamber in session.
The Senate welcomes 13 new next session – nine Republicans and four Democrats.
Senators heard from all of them Wednesday in introductory remarks where many pledged to work together and across the aisle for the betterment of the state.
Republicans will hold a supermajority next session in the Senate for the first time in more than 150 years – after the November election.
They held another election Wednesday – to select Republican Thomas Alexander of Oconee County to serve another term as Senate President.
“With honest debate, careful deliberation, and with civility and respect, we will safeguard the future of our state,” he said.
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The House was also in session Wednesday to get committee assignments and elect chairs.
That came after House on Tuesday selected their leadership for the next two years.
House overwhelmingly reelected Republican Murrell Smith of Sumter County to a second term as speaker.
Seventeen of the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus backed one of their , longtime Rep. Bill Chumley, in a challenge to Smith.
Smith told South Carolina is at a transformational moment in its history – and said his priorities for the year ahead will focus on tax cuts, business-friendly policies and economic growth.
“We must spend the next legislative session focusing on policies that will sustain and build upon our momentum,” Smith said.
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In a chamber that has seen deepening rifts within the Republican supermajority over the past few years – Smith called for to uphold civility.
“It is our duty to show the people of South Carolina that the government works for them, that we can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said.
It was a message echoed by the chamber’s most senior member – Orangeburg Democrat Gilda Cobb-Hunter.
“It shouldn’t be about you,” she said. “It should be about serving and making a difference in the lives of South Carolinians.”
The full General Assembly’s true legislative work will begin in January.
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