Latest News & Updates from Bill Herbkersman

1/11/21: The Covid-19 Vaccine

SC DHEC has announced that registration to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for those 70 years of age or older will begin Wednesday, January 13th. see data

1/11/21: THE LATEST COVID-19 DATA

The latest data from the SC DHEC see data

12/11/20: Bluffton Named Safest City in SC

"The report used comprehensive data based on violent, property and hate crimes, in addition to factors like household income, average rent and health insurance. They also took into account of natural disaster safety and public health safety." read more

12/9/20: SC Lawmakers Pre-file Medical Cannabis Bills

"Waiting any longer will only add to the suffering that is experienced by those who are plagued with debilitating illnesses. Passing this legislation is long overdue.” read more

12/9/20: SC to prioritize elderly, food workers for COVID-19 vaccine

"McMaster said the second half of the state's first phase will include people living in settings such as prisons, jails and homeless shelters, as well as processing plant and other food production workers, and utilities employees." read more

COVID-19 Telehealth Policy Update to Behavioral Health Coverage

"As a part of the state’s preparation and response to COVID-19, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is announcing additional temporary modifications to policies related to telehealth coverage." read more

10/1/20: 'Not on our watch.' State leaders vow to save Parris Island

"We are confident, but we are alert and we will be sure that the closure does not happen," McMaster said. read more

9/28/20: S.C. lawmakers approve $40 million in grants for minority, small businesses

"Priority will be given to minority businesses, applicants that did not receive other assistance, such as a Paycheck Protection Program loan or other CARES funds, to businesses with 15 or fewer employees and to businesses that demonstrate the greatest financial need." read more

9/24/20: Board denies controversial plan to put luxury ‘ecotourism’ resort on SC barrier island

"After hearing calls from citizens to reject a proposed resort on an uninhabited Lowcountry barrier island, a Beaufort County zoning board voted unanimously Thursday night to deny the request." read more

9/11/20: Citizen coalition pushes to enact hate crimes legislation in S.C.

SC is one of only three states in the country without a law that criminalizes crimes committed out of hate for a person’s race, religion, sexuality or gender. I’m proud to co-sign this legislation, introduced by Representative Beth Bernstein for House 78 and Representative Wendell G. Gilliard, along with my colleague Representative Weston Newton, SC House 120. It is an example of taking partisanship out of the equation and uniting for the common good. read more

9/8/2020: SC Leaders applaud Pres. Trump's decision to halt offshore exploration

“South Carolina is blessed with the most beautiful and pristine beaches, sea islands, and marshes in the nation. Seismic testing and offshore drilling threatens their health and jeopardizes the future of our state’s $24 billion tourism industry. Today’s announcement is good news, but we must remain vigilant in the conservation and preservation of our coastline.” Gov. Henry McMaster. read more

8/1/20: Biologists detail improved facilities, services at Waddell Mariculture Center

“Rep. Herbkersman was instrumental in getting $1.2 million to renovate the facility. That enabled us to essentially gut our lab building,” ... “And after that, we were able to secure some other federal funds so that we could redo our entire factory.” - Director Erin Levesque, Waddell Maricultural Center. read more

7/21/20: Gov. McMaster Announces SAFE Grants

Understanding SAFE Grants, a program, developed by Gov. Henry McMaster, to address the educational needs of eligible K5-12 students who attend a participating independent school in SC. read more