Prefiled Bills are Pouring In... The legislative session officially begins January 10th, but lawmakers have been very busy pre-filing bills.  While the number continues to grow, currently there are more than 550 prefiled bills.  The South Carolina Chamber Government Relations team is carefully combing through each proposed change looking for what could impact the business climate of our state and more importantly your bottom line.  Some of the prefiles we are focusing on include raising the minimum wage, infrastructure funding, and tax reform. To view the list of prefiled legislation in both the House and Senate, click here.  

Big Gains in Construction... A new study names South Carolina among the top 10 states in November for the biggest increase in construction employment!  The numbers from the U.S Labor Department were released by the Associated General Contractors of America.  For the 12-month stretch between November 2016 and November 2015, South Carolina ranked ninth in the largest percentage increase adding 4,900 jobs for a 5.5% increase.  To read more on the numbers, click here.

Christmas Bells are Ringing... The S.C. Chamber staff was very proud to spend Tuesday ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the BiLo on Knox Abbott Drive in Columbia.  If you would like to donate to the Salvation Army click here.  

We thank you for your membership and dedication to our mission of making South Carolina the best place in the nation to live, work and do business.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!