Where I Stand
Here’s exactly what I will fight to pass in Columbia—clear, common-sense legislation that protects families, seniors, and taxpayers.
Homestead Protection
(Title 15, Ch. 41)
Protect families from losing their homes over lawsuits
Most families do not know that they are one unfortunate car accident away from losing their home in a lawsuit. South Carolina is one of the few states that offers no protection to families from losing their home to creditors. This is unlike Florida where a person cannot lose their home to creditors, except for failure to pay the purchase money mortgage or government taxes. I propose amending Title 15, Chapter 41 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, to state “notwithstanding the limits of exemptions set forth in this title, that a person’s home may not be attached by creditors.” I believe that people should not lose the home they worked for their entire life because of one careless mistake.
Women’s Rights
Restore Roe-standard protections and equal rights in South Carolina
Under the Republican controlled legislature of South Carolina, women have slowly had their rights eroded. South Carolina has a history dating back to the rejection of Women’s voting rights in 1920. It was not until July 1, 1969 that South Carolina symbolically ratified the 19th Amendment. I believe that a woman’s right to make healthcare decisions is between herself and her doctor, not the government. Women should not die in the parking lot of a hospital because doctors are afraid to treat her. The Republican six week ban on abortion is too restrictive. The Republican current attempts to ban all abortions without exceptions for rape, incest, or the health of the mother is far too restrictive. The protection of women’s rights also extends to matters of employment, equal pay for equal work, and the access to credit for those starting their own business. I support better access to affordable child care. Lastly, I would also propose the addition of an Equal Rights Amendment to the State Constitution.
Stop Rapid Development
Protect our land while encouraging fair development
South Carolina already has a well-articulated law governing local planning. Article 3 Title Local Planning – The Comprehensive Planning Process spells out in detail the factors that must be considered in planning developments. Those factors include “(3) a natural resources element which considers coastal resources, slope characteristics, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, parks and recreation areas, scenic views and sites, wetlands, and soil types………” The same law mandates consideration of adequate public facilities. “Section (5) a community facilities element which considers water supply, treatment, and distribution; sewage systems and wastewater treatment; solid waste collection and disposal, fire protection, emergency medical services, and general governmental facilities; education facilities, and libraries and other cultural facilities.” Section (10) a resiliency element that considers the impacts of flooding, high water, and natural hazards on individuals……..public health, safety, and welfare.”
The problem is not the lack of laws and regulations, but an apparent disregard for the laws and regulations in effect. Enforcement of existing laws will be my goal.
Reduce Insurance Costs
Keep insurance affordable with fair, predictable awards
I support fair compensation for victims injured by the negligence of others. However, many verdicts and settlements appear to far exceed that actual damages suffered by plaintiffs. Many states have recognized the public interest in limiting excessive jury verdicts. When insurance companies are forced to pay multimillion dollar verdicts, a cost that is passed on to consumers who experience higher insurance premiums. In 2005, the South Carolina Legislature recognized the need for statutory limits when they passed Title 15, Chapter 32 which limits for the award of non-economic damages, but the law only applies to claims for injury as a result of Medical Malpractice. I intend to offer a bill to expand this statute to include all personal injury claims, such as auto accidents, slip & fall, and other claims of negligence.
Access to Property-Casualty Insurance
Strengthen insurance markets so families can actually get coverage
It is not a secret that the ability to obtain homeowner’s insurance at reasonable rates is a growing concern. You only have to look to the South where insurance companies are pulling out of Florida. The companies that remain must, out of necessity, charge exorbitant premiums. In some cases, insurance companies cannot cover the claims from a catastrophic event, and are forced into bankruptcy. This leaves their policyholder often waiting years for payment from a guarantee fund. In Horry County, many residents can only find coverage through our State Wind Pool. In addition to my decades as an insurance attorney, I have the unique experience of having served six years on the staff of the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. I have also audited courses for the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. I understand concepts of market capacity, surplus lines, reinsurance treaties, regulatory powers and constraints necessary to preserve competition and reasonable premiums. My Experience as a former staff member of the Maryland Insurance Commissioner will be invaluable when working on these challenges.
Support for Public Schools
Invest in public schools and expand expert teaching capacity
I will strongly support our public schools system. Approximately 95% of our children will be educated by our public school system. Yet Republicans have been focused on diverting taxpayer dollars to privately owned schools. I also pledge to work with our Superintendent of Schools to address the shortage of qualified teachers. I once considered changing careers and becoming a secondary school educator. I have taken college courses for teacher certification and had the opportunity to teach students at the middle school level. While I remained in the law profession, I gained a profound appreciation for the demand we place on our teachers.
Oppose Consolidation of Horry County Police & Sheriff
Different missions require specialized training and accountability
As an attorney, I have had experience of working in rural counties where the Sheriff is charged with all law enforcement responsibilities. I have also worked in urban counties where the Sheriff essentially works as the Officer of the Courts. Those duties included the courthouse security, service of summons, writs, subpoenas, attachments, and arrest warrants. The Sheriff secures the prisoners and transports them from Court to detention center and back. The Sheriff also maintains the Detention Center. The duties, responsibilities and training required by deputies are different from regular police. The Horry County Police concentrate on public safety and law enforcement. I would only recommend a study be made to reduce any possible duplication of responsibilities.
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