The palmetto priorities

May 29, 2026

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to my Week in Review newsletter. Please remember to follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!

As we get ready for the summer season in South Carolina, I remain focused on protecting our state - from our coastline communities to our rural communities and every community in-between. Whether it’s fighting for the longer, state-led red snapper season South Carolina anglers were counting on or supporting strong economic leadership with Kevin Warsh at the Federal Reserve, I’ll continue working to make life better for the people of South Carolina. And as early voting gets underway across South Carolina, I encourage every citizen to exercise their right to vote!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

Kevin Warsh Sworn In As Federal Reserve Chair

Last Friday, Kevin Warsh was sworn in to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, it was an honor to support Chair Warsh throughout his nomination process. In South Carolina and across the country, families are working hard, doing the right things, and still looking for lower costs, more opportunity, and an economy where affordability is within reach. I am confident Chair Warsh will help restore trust in the Fed, protect its independence, and stay focused on the American people.

Protecting South Carolina's Anglers

South Carolina’s anglers, charter captains, marinas, tackle shops, and coastal communities were counting on a longer, state-led red snapper season this summer. Yet a preliminary injunction from a DC federal court has suspended NOAA-approved pilot permits for South Carolina and other South Atlantic states, blocking the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources from moving forward with its planned July 1 recreational season. South Carolina and the South Atlantic states know their waters and coastal economy best, and state-led management paired with real-time data collection is the right path forward. I’ll keep fighting to expand responsible access to red snapper for South Carolina anglers and to give states a stronger role in managing their fisheries.

As sea turtle nesting season is underway, students at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School are stepping up to protect the first hatchlings of the season. Certain populations of sea turtles are threatened and endangered, so small actions to remove human causes and actions such as picking up one piece of trash or knocking down a sandcastle can make a big difference. Science teacher Meghan Galipeau said the school’s location gives students a unique opportunity to become environmental stewards while also educating others in the community. “These students are really awesome. They love science. They’re really involved and engaged in science,” Galipeau said.

Read the Full Article →

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Proposed Federal Legislation Aims to Modernize Infrastructure at HBCUs

U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the HBCU Caucus, have introduced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for HBCU Excellence Act.

The proposed legislation would establish a competitive federal grant program within the Department of Education to support modernization efforts and long-term infrastructure improvements at HBCUs throughout the country. The program would prioritize funding for institutions with the greatest financial need, aging or unsafe facilities, limited fundraising capacity, and high-enrollment of low-income students.

“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Senator Scott. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.”

Read the Full Article →

Sincerely,

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