Vote Henderson-Myers
Legislative Accomplishments
Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act
This proposed legislation would establish a statewide hate crime law by increasing penalties for certain offenses when they are committed because of bias against a victim’s identity, such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Named after Clementa C. Pinckney, who was killed in the Charleston church shooting, the act primarily works through “penalty enhancements,” meaning the punishment for an existing crime, like assault or vandalism, would be more severe if it is proven to be motivated by hate. Some versions of the bill also include provisions allowing victims to seek civil damages.
The South Carolina Lactation Support Act
This legislation aims to protect and support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. The bill would require employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk during the workday. It is designed to promote maternal and infant health by making it easier for working mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, while also setting clear expectations for employers to accommodate these needs. This bill became the foundation for the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act.
South Carolina Medicaid Protection and Expansion Act
This bill seeks to fully expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act by allowing low-income adults earning up to about 138% of the federal poverty level to qualify for coverage, significantly increasing access to healthcare for uninsured residents. It also proposes creating a “Medicaid Stability Fund” to help manage costs and protect the program from potential federal funding changes, while requiring studies on the economic and health impacts of expansion in coordination with hospitals and health systems.
Our Priorities and Objectives
Affordable Housing
- Objective: Ensure that every hardworking individual has access to safe and comfortable housing.
- Approach: Encourage developers to be mindful of the community's median income and the necessity for housing projects to benefit not only themselves but also the surrounding community and future residents. Support legislative efforts like Senate Bill 346 to promote affordable housing solutions.
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Public Education
-Objective: Champion the improvement and adequate funding of public education systems.
- Approach: Advocate for enhanced educational funding without reliance on uncertain sources like lotteries. Commit to legislative actions aimed at providing better educational outcomes and preparing youth for the workforce, based on the belief in the foundational role of public education.
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Domestic Violence
-Objective: Address and reduce domestic violence, improving support for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
- Approach: Push for legislative changes to remove legal obstacles that hinder progress in combating domestic violence. Support initiatives and programs aimed at transforming cultural attitudes towards domestic violence and enhancing protections for victims.
