After the marathon of running in four elections last year (Primary, Runoff, Special, and General), reporting to Columbia to begin the work of legislating instead of campaigning was a relief. I am often asked what the most surprising thing about the South Carolina House of Representatives has been, and I am pleased to report that it is the ability to work with my colleagues, regardless of political party. I worried that it would be partisan gridlock, where even small bills are bogged down in controversy, but the reality has been far more productive and a pleasant surprise.
I have opposed some bills that made the news like the one that outlawed most abortions and the one that permitted the open carry of firearms. However, I have worked across the aisle on bills to protect vulnerable adults, to address the danger of abandoned vessels in our waterways, to protect our children in foster care, and to finally achieve a retroactive step increase in salary for our teachers. I have also co-sponsored bipartisan bills reforming criminal sentencing, preventing water contamination, creating hate crime legislation, opposing animal cruelty, and mandating new training for law enforcement. I will continue to support good legislation, from either political party, that benefits our sea islands district and the state of South Carolina.
I hope that 2021 finds you and your family well, and I hope that we can come together in person very soon. Stay safe and please keep your feedback coming!
I can be reached at:
Representative Spencer Wetmore
S.C. House of Reps. District 115
(843) 693-8292