1. Why did you go to college?

I’m a fourth-generation businessperson, but the first to attend college. My father was a successful grocer whose goal was for all six of his children to attend college. And his goal was accomplished, because we all attended and graduated from college.

2. Do you have a particular professor or class that made an impression on you? If so, how?

Dr. Barbara Adams was a professor at S.C. State University who taught me accounting. Although she recently retired from teaching, she continues to have a reputation as a strict, but fair professor. She taught all levels and was very demanding but got the best out of us. She helped expand my universe and think about how to operate in the grand scheme of things. And now she will lead S.C. State’s Innovation Institute – Business Science, Environmental Science, Communication Studies, and Transportation (BECT).

3. Why did you decide to become a state legislator?

From the start I thought it was important to be involved in the community, through organizations like the Urban League, NAACP, and Boy Scouts.

By the time I was 32 I had realized success in business and felt it was time to give back through public service. First, I was on county council, becoming Vice Chair. I was later elected to the S.C. House of Representatives and then the Senate, where I’ve been proud to serve for the last 13 years. And I’m proud to represent the community I grew up in. Of all the communities I represent there isn’t one I wouldn’t live in.

4. Of what achievement in the General Assembly are you most proud?

I’m very proud of the role I played in creating the state Lottery, which I worked on for 20 years, and the legislation expanding broadband coverage in South Carolina — the final negotiation for which took place right here in my office. I would also include the creation of Innovation institutes at HBCUs that will serve to connect big companies with smaller schools, to the benefit of students and the surrounding communities.

5. Why are SCICU member institutions important to the future of South Carolina?

Not all students will succeed at a big university, especially students from rural areas. SCICU colleges and universities offer smaller learning communities that can nurture the success of students and preparing them to work in bigger organizations.

6. You’re a prominent legislator and have realized success as a real estate broker and consultant, but if you could pick another job, what would it be?

I’ve already pursued several business opportunities – when I really wanted to do something, I did it! For example, I’ve traveled extensively in the United States and abroad.

7. What advice do you have for students attending SCICU member institutions?

You can do anything you want, but you must take your college work seriously. Spend your time researching and learning, and if you want to grow as a person you need to move beyond your social circles and out of your comfort zone. But that doesn’t mean you have to be the life of the party. Work hard and you’ll be the party.

The red wave may not have materialized nationally, but it certainly washed over South Carolina.

South Carolina’s Republican candidates for U.S. Congress and Senate won handily on Nov. 8. Republican leadership remains in place for six of South Carolina’s seven Congressional districts. Congressman James Clyburn (D-S.C. 6th District) easily won reelection, but has announced he is stepping down as Democratic Whip. He will become the Assistant Democratic Leader in the next session.

Receiving nearly 60% of votes, Governor McMaster scored the largest margin of victory for a Republican gubernatorial candidate since 1990.

In the S.C. House, five incumbent Democrats were defeated, as was only one Republican. Democrats hold 36 seats, while the Republican majority expanded by seven seats, to 88, giving them a supermajority, which enables Republicans to push through legislation. There’s also a lot of fresh blood coming to the State House, with 26 new House members out of a total 124.

No state senators were up for election this year. All 46 seats will be up for election in 2024.

Election results —
You’ll be hearing the word “narrow” a lot in upcoming descriptions of Congressional races. While not all House races have been settled, the Republicans have a secured a narrow majority. The Senate either will be split 50-50 (giving Democrats the majority with Vice President Harris’ vote) or 51-49 for the Democrats, depending on what happens in Georgia.

Student debt cancellation hits judicial speed bumps —
Two different courts have thwarted the Biden administration’s efforts to cancel student debt.

A U.S. District Court judge in Texas called it unlawful and vacated the debt relief program. Judge Mark T. Pittman, of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas, characterized the program as a “complete usurpation” of congressional authority by the executive branch. He rejected the administration’s argument that the HEROES Act grants the president the authority to act in a time of national emergency and that the COVID-19 pandemic remained was just such an emergency.

The federal government appealed the decision, which will go to a panel of judges at the 5th Circuit Court.

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis issued a nationwide injunction. The injunction, part of a lawsuit brought by six attorneys general, including the SC attorney general, will remain in effect until a decision by the court or the U.S. Supreme Court.

In response to the court actions, the Biden administration has stopped accepting applications for student debt relief – about 30 million had already been submitted – and it is considering extending the pause in student loan payments, which is set to expire on January 1.