Dear fellow South Carolinians,

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HEALS Act and Supporting Hard-Hit Restaurants:
Last Monday, my Senate Republican colleagues and I announced our plan for the next phase of coronavirus relief, titled the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act. Included in the HEALS Act is a provision I created and introduced – the Supporting America’s Restaurant Workers Act – to help the restaurant industry, which has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

One out of every four jobs lost in April was in the restaurant industry, meaning 5.5 million Americans lost jobs in restaurants. My provision, by increasing business meal deductions from 50 to 100 percent, would incentivize people to spend more when eating out, leading to more jobs and more hours for those working in the restaurant industry. You can read more about the provision here.

COVID-19 and Inclement Weather Resources:
As we begin efforts to send kids back to school in the safest way possible, following public health guidelines will be more crucial than ever. So I will say again, please remember to stay six feet away from others and wear a mask when out, sanitize and wash your hands thoroughly, and – critically – stay home if you are feeling ill.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, click here for information from the South Carolina Department of Health on tele-health consultation options, which are free with the promo code COVID19. A full schedule of locations for popup testing sites around the state is also available here.

As Tropical Storm Isaias heads toward our coast, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe this evening. Remember that the peak of hurricane season is yet to come, and there is still time to plan a safe response to coming storms. For information on Isaias and how to best prepare for future storms in a COVID-19 environment, visit https://www.scemd.org/. Whether we’re talking about COVID-19 or inclement weather, taking the necessary steps today may save a life in the future!

Farewell to John Lewis:
Last Monday, I was given the great honor of presenting a wreath at John Lewis’s ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. Although he has passed on, my friend will always be remembered for his courage, desire for peace, and love for all – virtues that we should all strive for as American citizens. His life exemplified the best our country has to offer and continues to remind me that a better future is on the horizon.

Sincerely,
 
Tim