Good Morning, South Carolina - December 11, 2024
A daily political recap
Welcome to The Arena's daily political recap! Delivered straight to your inbox Monday through Friday, this series aims to keep you informed about the latest developments in South Carolina politics, all through a progressive lens.
As the state’s only progressive media outlet, we are dedicated to spotlighting stories you may have missed in the daily shuffle. Here’s what you need to know from yesterday:
1. Trump EV Plan Places Spartanburg Jobs in Jeopardy
President Biden’s efforts to modernize the Postal Service through an electrification initiative led to the creation of over 1,000 jobs at the Oshkosh Defense facility in Spartanburg County. However, reports suggest that Trump’s team is considering undoing these contracts, jeopardizing the plant’s workforce and investment. Local leaders are calling for clarity, emphasizing the economic importance of these jobs while expressing mixed opinions on the future of EVs in the state.
Read more in the Post and Courier.
2. DOJ Takes Aim at South Carolina Over Disability Rights
The Department of Justice released a scathing report accusing South Carolina of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by institutionalizing adults with serious mental illness in restrictive care facilities. The investigation highlights substandard living conditions and limited community-based housing options. State officials say they’re working to address the issue, but advocates argue much more needs to be done to ensure these individuals can live independently.
3. 2025 Legislative Pre-Files Signal Contentious Session Ahead
The first wave of pre-filed bills for the upcoming legislative session is in, revealing familiar battleground issues:
Social Issues: Anti-trans legislation, parental rights expansions, and a new bathroom bill for schools.
Criminal Justice: Gun safety reforms, harsher penalties for littering, and tweaks to bond reform.
Economic Policies: A proposed repeal of the state income tax and a gradual raise to a $10.10 minimum wage.
Education & Healthcare: Expanded insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings and studies addressing racial disparities in education outcomes.
While not all these bills will get hearings, the proposals underscore sharp divides in South Carolina’s policy landscape as lawmakers prepare for a contentious session.
Read more from Nick Reynolds of the Post and Courier.
Have a story you want covered? Contact us at hello@thearenasc.com to give your tips or submit your work.
Stay tuned to The Arena for your daily dose of South Carolina’s political pulse.