I hope you are enjoying your summer. The Senate is scheduled to return to Columbia two more times in June. We hope to take up the final budget on June 18 and Governor vetoes on June 26. This is a shortened version of the Newsletter as I only discuss two topics.

The goal of this Newsletter is to keep you updated on what is happening in Columbia. If you have any questions or would like me to discuss a topic, please let me know.

Calling All Artists:

For the past three years I have hung art in the lobby of my Senate office from artists in the district. I would like to add to that display. If you are an artist (age 5 to 100+) who has art suitable for framing and/or hanging, and would like to donate your art for display, please let me know. I would love to have your art hanging in my office.

Primary Voting – Tuesday, June 11:

Just a reminder that tomorrow is election day. There are numerous races happening in York and Lancaster counties. Please go vote. Elections are too important not to let your voice be heard. Again, go vote!

New Supreme Court Justice:

On June 5th the legislature returned to Columbia to elect a new Supreme Court justice. Letitia Verdin was elected as the third woman to serve on the high court. Justice-elect Verdin previously served as a family and circuit court judge before being named to the South Carolina Court of Appeals last year. Her term will begin on August 1 upon the retirement of current Chief Justice Donald Beatty. Justice-elect Verdin will fill the spot of Justice John Kittredge who was elected to become the Chief Justice earlier this year.

Visit the Statehouse:

If you are interested in visiting the Statehouse, please contact my office in Columbia. We will assist you in setting up a tour (for groups of all sizes). Whenever possible, I join the tour and try to give a more in-depth view of the Senate Chambers. If you haven’t been to Columbia and seen the Capitol, you should. It is a beautiful building, and it is well worth the time. All tours are free. If you are interested, just call my office at 803-212-6008 and we will assist you in scheduling a tour.

Unclaimed Property – Money for You?:

The State Treasurer’s Office maintains a link for residents to search for unclaimed property. Examples of unclaimed property include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks (including paychecks), unclaimed insurance proceeds, forgotten utility deposits, uncashed dividend checks, and unexchanged shares of stock. To learn more, go HERE .

Palmetto Heroes Program – Home Buying Assistance:

The Palmetto Heroes home buyers program from the state housing finance authority offers home buying assistance to workers in these professions — educators, first responders, and community service personnel in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, emergency medical services and health care, as well as active duty military, members of the SC Army National Guard, SC Air National Guard and Veterans of the US Armed Forces. To learn more, go HERE and HERE .

Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to represent District 16 in Columbia. Again, if you have any questions, or you hear something and have a question, give me a call. My personal cell number is 803-984-0126.

Thank you again for everything,

Michael Johnson