Husband, Father, Lawyer— Former Prosecutor & Councilman; Gamecock Tennis All-American & @UofSC Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. State Representative. 🎾 🇺🇸
Columbia, South Carolina
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Just got off the phone with a distraught constituent whose son was shot and killed last night on Gervais Street. Check the news and see people losing their lives all around our country by gun violence. If you want a national emergency look no further than gun violence in America.
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Samantha’s father said he wants everyone to remember her name— this bill requiring illuminated signage for ride-sharing vehicles will be named the ”Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act”.
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Filing a bill to remove the statue of Pitchfork Ben Tillman off the State House grounds. We all need to do our part to heal and move this nation forward together.
The statue, dedicated May 1, 1940, honors Benjamin Ryan Tillman, describing him as a patriot and statesman.
However, state Rep. Seth Rose says the state should remove the statue due to Tillman’s “despicable” life. .@WLTX
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Had a client that hired me for a parole hearing be granted parole today unanimously by the Board. He’s been a model inmate & is genuinely a changed person.Telling his 90 year old mother, family and children he was coming home today after 32 years was something I will never forget
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Very special to be sworn into the State House of Representatives for the great state of South Carolina. Thank you @JamesSmithSC @SteveBenjaminSC & @SheriffLeonLott for taking part in the ceremony. I will work very hard to make our district and state proud!
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Fulfilling a campaign pledge— I have co-sponsored legislation to extend the background check waiting period and thereby close the “Charleston Loop Hole”... You can be both pro 2nd Amendment and supportive of common sense gun legislation. thestate.com/latest-news/art…
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I respectfully call on Gov. @henrymcmaster to close our k-12 schools now and to reassess in 2 weeks. The more proactive we are now to slow the spread of Covid-19 the less reactive we will have to be later. The time to act is now.
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We let drug companies with big money set policy— people are dying from opioids and doctors can legally prescribe them but not medical marijuana? Makes no sense.
NEW: Data show more than 30 S.C. doctors have been paid at least $500K on the side from drug companies or medical device makers over the past 5 years. My deep dive into the debate over the ethics of those payments, with strong feelings on both sides thestate.com/news/politics-g…
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On the way to the State House I see children walking to school using the push-button crosswalk I helped get installed. Sometimes it’s the little unexpected things that are super cool.
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Wish we were spending this time on reducing gun violence, making our roadways safer, improving our public education (& many other things) to not only save but also improve the quality of life in SC. Below is a small clip of my comments at yesterdays Judiciary meeting.
Republicans call their abortion ban a “life-saving” act. But in reality, it’s going to lead to death.
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I’ve always thought it wise to follow the advice of qualified experts. That’s why I voted yesterday to follow recommendations from the State Elections Director to allow drop boxes & remove witness requirements for absentee voting this November.
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No President should incite hatred & division. This is beneath the Presidency. Sadly, I am thankful my children are too young to understand the actions & comments of this President. thestate.com/news/state/nort…
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20 years ago today my family dropped me off @UofSC as a Freshman on the @GamecockMTennis team. Didn’t know I would soon meet my future wife, have 3 precious children, and grow to love a community I’m proud to call home.
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Fixing our roads, healthcare, education…. Amazing how little time the legislature spends on the issues that affect our daily lives. Instead we spend hours debating a far right bill to make our college campuses less diverse, less equitable, and less inclusive.
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Filed bill H.4087-bipartisan legislation supported by law enforcement mirrors federal law prohibiting those with criminal convictions to felony & serious misdemeanors from possessing a gun. Local police who can’t arrest under federal law will be able to! wistv.com/2019/03/04/concern…
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Thank you House District 72. I am honored to serve this great District & humbled to receive 91 percent of the vote! I will keep working hard for our community.
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Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Colonel Jack Van Loan. An amazing man who had once been a POW with John McCain after his fighter plane was shot down serving our country. He loved Columbia & the @FivePointsSC merchants association. He will never be forgotten.
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Thank you @JamesSmithSC for your exemplary service to our community & state. Your guidance & advice will always be much appreciated. House District 72 has a proud history of service and I will work tirelessly to honor it.
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On a legislative conf call with PRISMA Health an acclaimed Dr called shelter in place the BEST tool to fight Coronavirus. 39 states are under the order. Lets follow the advice of medical professionals to help life return to normal as quickly as possible. wistv.com/2020/04/01/state-r…
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Somewhere out there my good friend @Bakari_Sellers shuddered... trying not to remember the time I dropped 30 plus on him in a law school intramural basketball game. 😂
After adjourning for the year yesterday afternoon, SC lawmakers beat NC lawmakers 40-32 in their biennial basketball game.
I’m told state Rep. @SethRoseSC (a Columbia Democrat and former All-American tennis player at @uofsc) scored more than half of the team’s points to win MVP.
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Columbia is so lucky to have a new coffee shop in the Vista @bittyandbeaus Their slogan is “a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop” It’s their opening day, go check them out!
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Columbia let’s show up and show out for @GamecockMBB again this year! Another fun season is coming! @TheCaptain_03
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My client was cleared of all charges related to a pregnancy event—no one should face criminal penalties for personal medical situations. This is a victory for justice and individual rights. pregnancyjusticeus.org/press…
An Orangeburg college student will not face charges more than one year after police accused her of murder after her premature baby died in 2023. trib.al/KmA17KU
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This Bill passed unanimously out of the House 3M Committee. Families shouldn’t be faced with financial ruin or not being able to give their child treatment. Having an autistic child is a lottery of sorts— treatment for one’s autistic child shouldn’t be. thestate.com/news/politics-g…
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Thank you @FreeTimesSC readers for voting me runner up as best local elected official. Congrats to my friend Mayor @SteveBenjaminSC.
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In the gym late this evening getting ready for the annual game against the North Carolina Legislature and see @ItsAJLawson putting in the work. Great kid & Gamecock with a bright future. @TheCaptain_03
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Land of the free? Elected republicans are rolling back women’s rights, stopping meaningful gun safety legislation & literally has a segment of it’s party wanting to invalidate free elections they lose. Very scary times in America to say the least.
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Currently there is a 35 million in this years House budget to fix the chronic train issues on Assembly Street. Trains blocking a major thoroughfare in our capital city during rush hour is not acceptable. @CSX
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Today we broke ground on a 24 million project to make S. Main Street more walkable & bikeable. #HouseDistrict72
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Fun fact— my father in law is a nuclear engineer and one of the smartest people I know. He is the person that figured out what was wrong during the crisis on 3 mile island & told them what to do. Talking with him about it today after watching the Netflix film on it was awesome.
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Today— with the help of staff, friends, & and my House colleagues, I had my 2nd bill this session pass the House of Representatives. Enjoying everyday and will keep working with my fellow reps for a better SC!
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$35 million dollar investment in this years State budget by the State Legislature for the @UofSC Medical School. Will be transformative for the Bull Street campus.
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I’m one proud @GamecockMTennis alum! Congrats @PaulJubb3!
Jubb-ilation!
Your 2019 @NCAATennis singles champion is @PaulJubb3
#GamecockGRIT
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Excellent Freshman orientation at the State House yesterday & today. Very impressed with the professionalism of my colleagues and staff. Look forward to getting to work!
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Just briefed on a major S. Main Street project breaking ground in Dec. 2019! Many thanks to @JamesSmithSC and all those that helped make this amazing project (to be) a reality. #HouseDistrict72
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Drilling off South Carolina’s coast is a threat to our booming tourism economy and all the small businesses dependent on it up and down our coast. It is actually a threat to industry & jobs.
House discussing whether to oppose coastal oil drilling. Rep McCoy says it could hurt the environment. Boosters say it would create jobs.
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I’ve known Neal Collins since law school and his character is of the highest quality. There’s a lot of politicians that use the slogan “people over politics” but @collins_neal actually does it— he puts people first.
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Proudly speaking on the State House steps for everyone’s essential right to good healthcare.
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Harden Street in 5 Points is getting a 5 million upgrade in January! Honored to have secured the funding to make this happen. Going to keep making my way around Downtown Columbia with road safety/pedestrian & bicycle friendly projects!
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Another great day at the State House... A bill I authored passed the House unanimously and I met actor Danny McBride aka Kenny Powers.
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Last week Republicans voted to take away women’s rights bc they are “pro life” — this week they vote to pass permitless open carry of guns that will endanger lives across this State. So many real issues we could be addressing instead. But here we are.
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Honored to be nominated by Speaker Lucas to serve on the House COVID19 Small Business Relief Committee. I’ve been contacted by numerous constituents requesting help & I am also a small business owner myself. I look forward to serving.
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The Capital City is breaking ground on a $20 + million river infrastructure project— $16 million from the State Legislature to spur responsible downtown riverfront development like other major cities have done long ago. Great things happening in Columbia!
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Let’s remember this is another result of a few elected officials (elected here) that opposed the Convention Center expansion that would have also brought hotels to Columbia. Instead the money wasn’t “saved” but went to other parts of the State & now we get to lose out again.Sad.
Columbia lost its bid to host NCAA March Madness again. The problem? Not enough hotels thestate.com/news/local/arti…
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Thank you citizens of House District 72 for electing me to the State House.Look forward to a new chapter of serving!
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Thank you to the @PCColumbia Free-Times readers for selecting me as the best local elected official. I will keep working hard for our community.
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A bill allowing 18 year olds to carry handguns openly is on its way to the Governors desk to become law. Wow!
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As of today it’s official. Now have 3.5 million for a future Devine Street road project to fix the parking and make it pedestrian friendly. On our way to securing 5 million for the A+ project.
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Just secured 1.5 Million in th State Budget for Devine Street improvements from 5 Points to Millwood. Let’s Go!!!!!!!
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Happy my bill with @BobbyCoxSC expanding insurance coverage for autistic children advanced out of committee and to the House floor. Proud to see so many of my colleagues fight back against big insurance to help children & families.
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Voted & spoke out against the open carrying of firearms bill that passed the SC House today. If you’re worried about gun violence & the world we’re creating for our children & grandchildren... It starts at the ballot box. drive.google.com/file/d/1bQ-…
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Saddened to hear of the passing of my longtime friend & Lyon St. neighborhood President Marvin Heller. We worked together on the Edgewood Library, Millwood Ave improvements,Gonzales Gardens Demo & much more. Marvin was 1st class & loved his community. Heaven gained an angel today
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Thank you to the @postandcourier and @joey_cranney for the nice article today. I’m going to work very hard in the State Legislature for the citizens of South Carolina! postandcourier.com/politics/… via @postandcourier
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The American people deserved a better debate tonight from the President of the United States. His behavior is a new low for the Presidency.
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Thank you to the @FreeTimesSC for including me in this years Midlands Top 50 list! postandcourier.com/free-time…
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Excited to announce my candidacy for State House Dist. 72! I hope I can count on your continued support as we begin this journey together.
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Happy to co-sponsor this bill with my friend & colleague @petermccoyforsc. Those that lobby local government need to be subject to the same ethics laws as those lobbying state government. This bipartisan effort will allow the public to know who is trying to influence local govt.
A change could be coming soon to regulate who is trying to influence decisions in your town, local school board or county. I spoke with Rep. @SethRoseSC about a bill he is co-sponsoring that will change lobbying at the local level. I’ll have more at 5 on @wis10
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Great to see this stop light/Pedestrian crossing being installed today on Devine St by Backstreets Grill. Happy to have worked with Councilman Brennan on getting this much need safety measure. Goes nicely with the traffic light we got installed by Cantina & Henry’s years ago.
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Another example of @petermccoyforsc working across party lines to help move our State forward. Proud to serve with him in the State Legislature.
Drum roll please: how about Judiciary Committee Chairman @petermccoyforsc has signed on as a cosponsor to #H3391 the ERA ratification bill. Thank you Mr. Chairman! #Progress #InSpiteOf
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Honored to be endorsed by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina for my work protecting our State’s Natural Resources! @CVofSC
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If I could waive a magic wand and get rid of the power lines in Downtown Columbia I would. They look terrible.
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Installing the stop light we were able to get on Devine St by cantina! Thx to all who helped make this happen.
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Thank you to the readers of the Post & Courier Free-Times for nominating me as one of the best Columbia elected officials. I will keep working hard for our community.
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After months of meetings the DOT agreed to install a traffic light on @DevineStCola by Cantina 4 safety! Special thank you to John Hardee!!
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I’m only councilmember that refused a taxpayer funded credit card. I pay for my own gas, food, mileage, and tires! thestate.com/news/local/arti…
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Thank you @FivePointsSC for the beautification award at tonight’s annual banquet. Was happy to secure county grant funding for the new blossom street train trestle.
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Multi million dollar road improvements we secured for Millwood Avenue have begun! We’ve secured millions of dollars more for 5 Points road improvements at the appropriate time. Not a bad 2 years for House District 72! Many thanks to @SCDOTMidlands and my colleagues that helped!
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Huge turnout for the St Patrick’s Day parade yesterday. It was great seeing everyone! It’s now almost time for the transformative $5 million @FivePointsSC Harden St project to break ground! 💯 🎯
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Great seeing so many friends at the SC Democratic Party State Convention this morning! We will continue producing tangible results for Columbia & House District 72!
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Many thanks to everyone that helped fund this & other great projects for our Capital City. Especially Ways & Means staff member Katie! I know she’s happy I will leave her alone about several projects being funded 😀 —her help invaluable thestate.com/news/politics-g…
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We had a great family dinner at MOA on Main Street. Great to see Main Street bustling with all the students back too.
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4.85 Million to make Harden St. in Historic 5 Points more walkable, bikeable & business friendly! Thank you to all my colleagues for voting to put this transformative project in the State budget. Special thx to @murrellsmith @GarySimrill & Ways&Means Staff.wistv.com/2021/06/23/state-l…
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SC House just approved two major pieces of legislation to address flooding in our State. One gives local governments flexibility on using certain funds for stormwater issues rather than having to raise property taxes.
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Because of my voting record supporting public schools/teachers, the environment and women’s rights — our campaign has
received endorsements from the SC Education Association, Conservation Voters of SC and Planned Parenthood. The State Paper even calls it an “easy choice”
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I voted against this ill advised proviso as well — but inaccurate for @scdhec to say it’s a mask ban. School-districts can use millions in non state revenue to implement mask ordinances as needed. Kids need to be physically in school.
@scdhec it is not completely accurate to say that state law bans masks in schools. A dumb & reckless state budget proviso I opposed bans the use of state appropriations or state spending authorizations to enforce masking in schools. That is not the same thing as a mask ban.
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Thank you Gary! Much respect for you my friend!
@SethRoseSC has proven himself a leader in Columbia; thoughtful, deliberate and creative.
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Proud of the Gamecocks. Coach @CoachSBeamer is building this program with knack for getting talent. There’s going to be bumps in the road but there’s great things to come. 🐓
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Millwood Ave traffic signal was just the beginning— we were also able to obtain $500,000 in road improvements including bike lanes! Construction will begin in April! thestate.com/news/local/arti…
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