Gov. Henry McMaster outlines successes and challenges facing SC during 7th ‘State of the State’ address

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Governor Henry McMaster opened his ‘State of the State’ address by mentioning the business investments going on in all parts of South Carolina.

While he is pleased with the industries coming to the state, he did speak about things he is not pleased with in the Palmetto State. 

“One thing we do not need is more labor unions in South Carolina,” the governor said. “We’ve gotten where we are without them and we do not need them now. We are a right to work state. We have the lowest union membership in the country.”

One thing Governor McMaster wants to see changed in South Carolina is the way judges are selected in the state.

“To provide for a separate and independent judiciary, the currently unrepresented executive branch should play a role in selecting judicial candidates before the General Assembly exercises its constitutional authority to select judges,” McMaster said.

The governor also hopes to provide $500 million in funding to improve the state’s roads, bridges and interstate highways. 

“Some are over 80 years old and showing it,” McMaster said. “Some are in such a state of disrepair that the required restrictions render them useless for commercial trucking, school buses and firetrucks.”

McMaster additionally wants to improve reading scores in South Carolina, with only just around half of students in the Palmetto State reading at grade level. 

“We must continue to invest in early literacy and professional development in the science of reading. If they cannot read, they cannot thrive,” the governor said. “This will ensure that all children can read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade.”

The governor added that he hopes to also see students’ math scores improve as well as more funding for technical college scholarships. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the best is yet to come. May God continue to bless America and the great state of South Carolina,” McMaster concluded.

The governor closed his speech by mentioning something he has been asking lawmakers to do for quite some time now, graduated penalties for illegal gun possession.