| Dear Friend,
Welcome back to my Week in Review newsletter. Please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!
Prohibiting Government Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia The Biden administration is launching a program to distribute “safe smoking kits,” which could include crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia, as reports have indicated. Frankly, I can’t think of anything more ludicrous than taxpayer money being used to fuel dangerous drug addictions. That’s why I joined my Republican colleagues on a bill to prohibit any federal funds from being used to purchase, supply, or distribute crack pipes or similar drug paraphernalia. Click here to read more about the Cutting off Rampant Access to Crack Kits (CRACK) Act. Improving Care for Those With Both Medicare and Medicaid In South Carolina alone, approximately 160,000 individuals use both Medicare and Medicaid. The challenges of navigating these two distinct health programs often lead to fragmented care for these individuals, who have some of the greatest health needs in our nation. As ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I held a hearing, along with Chairman Casey (D-Pa.), on how to improve health care for those who are dually eligible. During the hearing, Chairman Casey and I announced our new bill, the PACE Expanded Act, to increase access to care for seniors in need. Click here for a full recap of the hearing, and click below to watch my opening remarks. Click to watch I also introduced the Supporting Care for Dual Eligibles Act, to improve coordination between Medicare and Medicaid. Older Americans and those with disabilities should not have to jump through hoops to receive the care they need. Tax Relief For Small Businesses Economic shutdowns throughout the pandemic forced many businesses to close their doors for weeks if not months. Thankfully, the Employee Retention Tax Credit allowed business owners to retain or rehire workers — until its expiration several months ago. This week, I introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to reinstate that tax credit for small businesses and nonprofits who kept workers on their payroll in the final months of 2021. When our small businesses thrive, so does our nation. Team Scott Internships I am now accepting applications for summer internships in my Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Washington, D.C. offices! If you are an undergraduate or graduate student studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, and if you interested in serving South Carolina and learning about the United States Senate, then check out the video below to learn more! Click here to apply. Click to watch my internship video Sincerely, | 