Tim Scott's year is shaping up to be busy.
Our state's junior senator stopped by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday afternoon for an informal meet and greet as part of a listening tour.
After County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart welcomed him, Scott told the small crowd that 2014 was busy and he expects next year to be even busier. His committee assignments will be: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and the Committee on Finance.
"It's the first time since 1860 for someone from South Carolina," to be on the finance committee, he said, adding that he expects to be involved on "major issues" involving entitlement programs as well as trade issues and the opening of new markets such as Cuba.
Tax reform should also be on the front burner.
"It will not be a year of relaxation," he said, and joked that he's already pulled all his hair out while pretending to grasp at his shaved head.
Harry DeVoe asked Scott that with all his assignments, "How can you possibly be in depth on all those committees?"
Scott said it was "an awesome opportunity" to tackle a wide range of issues, while acknowledging he'd sleep less and rely on "a great staff."
"I thank God I have a passion and interest in the committees to which I've been assigned," he said, noting his 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and service on bank and credit union boards. His time on county council in Charleston afforded him ample exposure to housing and land planning issues as well.
Scott was not afraid to make a few lighthearted jokes about the federal government's approach to balancing the books.
"I have a passion for numbers -- how you spend $3.8 trillion when you only take in $2.5 trillion dollars," he said, chuckling, and called it "a miracle that we ought not to repeat too often."
"It's an affront to common sense," he said.
