Dear Friends,

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Investing in Opportunity Act

Last week, I, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and Ron Kind (D-WI), introduced the Investing in Opportunity Act. Today, more than 30 percent of South Carolina’s population – 1.4 million - lives in an economically distressed area. The bipartisan bill plans to combat poverty by offering temporary capital gains deferral in exchange for reinvesting those (PRIVATE SECTOR) dollars into distressed communities. 

The Opportunity Funds created by this legislation will provide a high-impact source for funding new businesses, developing blighted properties, investing in local infrastructure projects, financing facility construction or refurbishment, and a host of other activities to new opportunities for local residents and enhance the local economy. I know first-hand that those who live in impoverished communities are looking for the opportunity to succeed. It is my hope that the Investing in Opportunity Act will provide that opportunity. 

Medicare Part B Drug Payment Model

The Obama Administration’s “Part B Drug Payment Model” proposed rule disrupts care for vulnerable patients-such as those with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious medical conditions. I, along with a number of my colleagues, have called for the withdrawal of the proposal because it will only hurt Medicare beneficiaries by increasing costs and decreasing the quality of care and patients’ choices. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) did not consult with outside experts or those with real-world experience when coming up with this proposal and in my opinion that is a recipe for disaster. I was joined by my colleagues on the Finance Committee in writing CMS Acting Administrator Slavitt – you can read the letter here.

National Charter Schools Week

This week is National Charter Schools Week. Charter schools are responsible for driving diverse, creative new innovations in the educational arena.  They play a critical role in delivering options for families and communities.  Throughout our country and here in South Carolina, charter schools are serving more and more families and can be found in more and more communities.

I have long believed that more educational freedom for families is important to meet the needs of our children.  That’s why I will continue to advocate for school choice in the Senate, including magnet programs, virtual learning, private schools, homeschooling and charter schools.

According to the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina, there are 68 public charter schools that serve nearly 30,000 students around the Palmetto State.  Charter schools have been an option for families since 1996 when the State Charter School Law was enacted.

Palmetto Wednesdays

Every Wednesday when the Senate is in session, I invite South Carolinians to come to my office in Washington at 11 AM for great conversations and some southern hospitality. We make plenty of real sweet tea, put out some Lay’s potato chips that were proudly made in South Carolina, and look forward to meeting constituents.  Please contact my office at (202) 224-6121 for more information or to let us know you’ll be joining us!

Sincerely,

Tim