During the November meeting of the Clarendon County Democratic meeting, Representative Bobby Ridgeway offered a legislative update to the Party. To open his remarks, Ridgeway expressed support for the Smith-Norrell team, who ran for Governor and Lt. Governor on the Democratic ticket.
As a medical professional, Ridgeway fully supported Smith’s promises to accept the federal Medicaid funds, thereby allowing under-insured Clarendon County residents to have access to healthcare. Ridgeway also encouraged voters to take advantage of the early voting opportunities.
The legislature will reconvene on December 4 for an organizational session, and it will begin its legislative session during the second full week in January 2019. Bills concerning education opportunities, such as First Steps, will be addressed in 2019.
Senator Kevin Johnson offered an update next. He again touched on the issue regarding electing or appointing the South Carolina Superintendent of Education, which was the only certified ballot measure on the November 6 ballot.
Johnson addressed a change in how the South Carolina Senate will operate. Until now, the Lt. Governor has presided over the Senate. However, as the Governor and Lt. Governor are now running as a team, a Senator will be chosen to preside over the Senate.
Clarendon County Democratic Party Chairwoman Patricia Pringle discussed last-minute strategies for getting voters out to the polls on November 6. She also covered the candidates on the ballots, including the non-partisan candidates. She, also, encouraged members to vote early if possible and to assist those who needed help getting to the polls.
Pringle informed the Party that there would be no December meeting. The next official meeting of the Clarendon County Democratic Party will be January 3, although the Party is considering hosting a social event in December.
