Legislative Matters
(Updated 8/18/26)
One of the missions of the Oconee County Republican Men is to provide its members with opportunities to learn about current legislative issues and encourage them to become actively involved in the political process. In that regard, some of the issues likely to be debated in the South Carolina General Assembly during the 2027 legislative session will be listed below prior to the beginning of the session. Please take the time to learn more about these and other matters, and let your elected officials know your views.
RECENT NEWS:
On August 17th, Governor McMaster signed into law a $15 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026-2027, that began on July 1st. Since then, the state has been operating under a stopgap measure at the same level as last year.
Among other provisions, the new budget incorporates a $309 million reduction in state income taxes. It increases teacher’s starting salaries to $50,000 per year, an increase of $2,000. It includes raises for state employees of 2%. And for senior citizens, the budget reduces property tax exemptions for homeowners 65 and older to $75,000 of their home’s value, up from the half century old $50,000 exemption, with counties being compensated state-wide by an additional $81 million.
Contact Information
Senator Thomas Alexander: (803) 212-6220 / (864) 638-2988 / alexandersoffice@bellsouth.net
Representative William Whitmire: (803) 734-3068 / (864) 638-4237 / whitmire5@yahoo.com
Representative Adam Duncan: (803) 212-4472 / (864) 985-8589 / adamduncan@schouse.gov
South Carolina State House website - www.scstatehouse.gov