Dear fellow South Carolinians,

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Memorial Day Message:
On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. It is because of these brave heroes that we are able to live in a nation of opportunity and freedom. 

As Military Appreciation Month continues, I am so grateful for every individual who has served this country and made daily sacrifices to keep our communities safe. You are our real-life heroes. And to our current troops: thank you for your continued service in the midst of this pandemic. I pray that God blesses you with safety and security for your crucial work.

Opportunity Zones + Bringing Supply Chain Home = #Winning:
During the Covid-19 crisis, we have learned that our pharmaceutical and medical supply chains are overly dependent on foreign countries such as China. To combat this problem, Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) and I also introduced a proposal that will incentivize the domestic manufacturing of drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), personal protective equipment (PPE), and diagnostics.

By providing tax credits for manufacturers of these items that operate in certain American Opportunity Zones, this proposal will work to mitigate drug shortages and bring our supply chains home. You can read more here.

Helping Gig Economy Workers:
Last Thursday, several of my congressional colleagues and I introduced the Helping Gig Economy Workers Act. This bill will allow companies to provide independent contractors with much of the same COVID-19 assistance given to full-time employees. Contract workers like Uber and Lyft drivers, for example, can receive much-needed PPE, payments, health benefits, and more, while still retaining their independent status.

Independent workers like these provide us with many crucial services during this crisis. It is our job to ensure that they can do so safely and without penalty. You can read my full statement here.

Tax Credit for Skills Training:
We know that this pandemic has resulted in devastating job losses across the country. As the recovery process begins, I want to ensure Americans have the tools they need to secure new jobs with high earning potential. That is why I introduced the bipartisan Skills Renewal Act with Senators Sasse (R-NE), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Booker (D-NJ).

This act will create a $4,000 tax credit that may be applied to cover the cost of a variety of skills training programs – from apprenticeships to traditional two- and four-year programs. These will ensure that folks who have been laid off due to Covid-19 possess the marketable skills that will be needed to rebuild and strengthen our economy as we move forward. You can read my full statement here.

Resources:
If you are feeling ill, click here for information from the South Carolina Hospital Association on tele-health options. More complete information on resources for South Carolinians is also available on my website or my Facebook page.

Please remember to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, use cloth masks in public (leaving medical-grade masks for medical personnel), and – critically – stay home when feeling ill. More CDC guidelines and other helps are available at www.coronavirus.gov. 

Final Word:
To all the families and loved ones of those who have given their lives in service to our nation, thank you. Today and every day, we stand with you in remembrance.

Sincerely,

 

Tim