Charleston Metro Chamber Of Commerce: The Advocates: Governor Approves 2022 Congressional Map

Press release from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce:

January 28, 2022

Earlier this week, the House concurred with the Senate’s redistricting plan for South Carolina’s seven Congressional seats. The Senate plan was similar to what the House redistricting committee proposed. This plan will strengthen a Republican majority with six Congressional Seats favoring Republicans and one majority Democratic seat – the 6th Congressional seat.

On Wednesday, Governor McMaster signed the bill into law. It will likely set up a legal challenge in the coming weeks as Democrats and other public interest groups, like the League of Women Voters, are opposed to this version of the redrawn districts. The new map splits 10 South Carolina counties, which strengthens the Republican position in the 1st Congressional district and keeps the 6th district the majority-minority district.

Certificate of Need Requirement for Hospitals

The Senate passed a repeal of the state’s certificate of need requirement for hospitals and healthcare facilities this week. If the certificate of need is repealed, medical providers would no longer need state approval before purchasing expensive medical equipment or building new hospitals and medical offices in South Carolina. The bill now goes to the House.

Medical Cannabis Legalization in SC

The Senate began debate on medical cannabis legalization in South Carolina this week. Senator Tom Davis has been working for nearly seven years on the legislation. The bill is expected to take up the vast majority of debate next week.

We will continue to keep you up to date on the latest news from Columbia over the next several weeks.

This press release was produced by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.