Dear fellow South Carolinians,

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Hurricane Irma

As Tropical Storm Irma continues to affect South Carolina, residents should pay close attention to weather conditions throughout the state. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that Irma could produce three to six inches of rain along with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas that are normally prone to flood. Be aware that tropical storms can form tornadoes.

Residents evacuating from the southern South Carolina coast may find information on emergency shelters here. In the event that you must use a shelter, please consider the following before arriving: Bring your own pillows, blankets and cots as these items might not be available at every location. If you are on a restricted diet, bring your own specialty food items.

Residents in South Carolina who have questions about Hurricane Irma can call the state’s toll-free hotline: 1-866-246-0133. Follow @SCEMD and monitor local media for live updates.

Remembering 9/11

16 years later, we remember the almost 3,000 American lives lost in the September 11^th terror attacks. Today, we unite as a nation to honor and remember those lost and those who courageously responded. We thank those who continue to fight for our freedom. May we never forget.

Hurricane Harvey 

Last Thursday, I voted in support of a $15.25 billion emergency aid package in response to Hurricane Harvey. To say the damage done by Hurricane Harvey was detrimental would be an understatement. This disaster affected thousands of families; there were so many folks who lost everything, and as they begin to recover and rebuild, our priority should be to support them as they get back on their feet. However, with our nation’s ongoing budget crisis, raising the debt ceiling is far from ideal. We need to get serious about curbing our spending addiction, and get back on the right track toward fiscal responsibility.

Sincerely,

Tim