Bill Herbkersman on the issues: Where I stand

Since taking office in 2003, USCB has received a $55,728,914 and TCL has received $73,680,251 in state funding. That's a total of $129,409,165! Recently, we added an excellent nursing program to sustain the community's need for well trained medical professionals. I have also worked with local businesses to bring a culinary program to support the needs of our extensive hospitality industry.

My focus is improving access, affordability and opportunities at our local schools, technical colleges and universities. We have taken big steps in education over the years. I have placed a priority on providing the funds and resources necessary to put our local schools on even footing with the rest of the Southeast. Most recently, I offered a bill to ensure that teacher pay would start at $50,000. It is my belief that in order to fix our education system, we must start with good quality teachers who are paid what they deserve.

Investing in our roads and bridges will not only greatly improve safety, but also create many job and growth opportunities. I have worked hard to ensure that Beaufort County and Jasper County receive their fair share of infrastructure dollars and attention from the state.

After years of working on it, my colleagues and I recently secured $120 million in state funding for the U.S. 278 Corridor Project. This effort is a true example of the importance of seniority in the State House and the strength of our delegation.

Candidates who boast that they will "do this" and they will "do that" as soon as they’re elected, are actually showing their lack of knowledge and their inexperience. It sounds good, but unfortunately that's just not the way it works. Building relationships, working together, developing trust takes time and an unwavering commitment.

I helped secure money for an Alzheimer's Coordinator who will oversee the treatment and management of patients with a disease that claimed 2,500 South Carolinians in 2017. We also welcome the Alzheimer’s Association to hold their walks and fundraisers at the Calhoun Street Promenade. 

I will continue to act as a first point of contact for communication between state government and the residents of our community, in order to improve access and affordability of senior programs and healthcare. 

Veterans also make up a large portion of our population. This session, I worked to lay a path for US Military Veterans to attain nursing degrees. This legislation is a significant step to improve the way Veterans are treated by the government they so selflessly served.

I have worked for over 20 years to preserve the natural beauty of Beaufort County and Jasper County. I am proud to acknowledge my part in legislation that focused on the preservation and protection of District 118. I helped sponsor bills to protect our shorelines from the displacement of sand and ensured legislative and financial support for the import work at the Waddell Mariculture Center. 

As a member the Ways and Means Committee, I am able to look at where money is being spent. I have always worked to limit needless spending on unnecessary programs and projects, by demanding fiscal responsibility with all expenditures and cutting government waste. I am a fiscal conservative "through and through" and I believe that tax dollars belong to the people, not the government.

I will continue my work in economic development and business retention to sustain the workforce in Beaufort County and Jasper County. I recognize that private enterprise is the cornerstone of a good economy and productive community, and that should be reflected in government policy.