Many local governments and special interest groups across our state have decided that now is the time to raise your taxes. I understand their arguments because I also want better roads, education, drainage, and infrastructure.  However, as your State Treasurer, I have seen how all levels of government “manage and protect” your money, and the current standards are simply unacceptable.

I probably don’t live in your county, so I must respect your right to tax yourselves. However, we must have fundamental change in how our government operates. Implementing true fiscal responsibility and accountability are the first steps government can take to earn our trust.

Since the government and special interests want our money now, the time we should bargain for a “better deal” is now. Let’s say NO to new taxes and YES to meaningful transparency and accountability. Let’s say NO to back room deals with special interest and YES to high-ranking government officials being held responsible for protecting our money and delivering a quality product. 

I’m going to vote NO on new taxes at the polls on Tuesday, and I encourage you to do the same.  Let’s give the government and special interests a rain check for a vote on new money until the proper measures are in place to protect our money and deliver what is promised by special interests.

Be well,

Curtis Loftis
Treasurer, State of South Carolina

The Medical Affairs Committee met on October 16th with Healthcare officials to discuss the Ebola virus and the steps being taken to monitor, track and prevent it’s spread in S.C.  Thornton Kirby, President of the S.C. Hospital Association, and Catherine Templeton, director of DHEC told the committee that their goal is prevention.  They are also strictly following guidance provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Firstly, there  are no known or suspected individual cases of Ebola in SC. Widespread outbreak is even more unlikely, as South Carolina and the United States in general have a low risk for an epidemic. However, hospitals across the state are very much on alert and being trained for the possibility that the virus is contracted.

S.C.  healthcare providers are being taught a consistent message: Identify an Ebola patient, isolate them, and communicate with DHEC immediately in order to facilitate a rapid response. “The state would decide how best to treat an Ebola patient on a case-by-case basis,” Templeton said.

Right now, tests are being facilitated across the state that are similar to the “secret shopper” approach many restaurants use. Senator Hutto recommended that these drills be conducted in a way that no one knows it’s coming. “You never know if the plan is going to work until you really test it,” he said. These drills will be conducted at random to ensure everyone is properly equipped.

More information about the Ebola Virus and the precautions SC is taking can be found on the DHEC website here >>

http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/FHPF/HealthAlertsNotifications/Ebola/mindex.htm