Important Issues
Below are a few issues that are important to me and my work as your state representative. I am proud to serve SC House District 124, to be “OUR COMMUNITY VOICE” and tackle any issue with open, honest, forthright dedication to making the best decisions possible for all of us who live, work, worship and play in the lowcountry. I believe in working together with conservative principles, belief in free-enterprise, protecting our environment, educating our citizens for today and tomorrow’s job markets, and defending those who cannot defend themselves – all with the smallest government possible.
Education
As an educator and Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, Shannon has made strengthening South Carolina’s schools a top priority.
She has worked to raise teacher pay, including increasing the minimum starting salary to $50,500 and adding another $2,000 to the teacher salary schedule to better support and retain great educators. Shannon has also supported major investments in classroom materials, school safety, school buses, and facility upgrades to ensure students learn in safe, modern environments.
Shannon continues to focus on strengthening the classroom experience by supporting efforts to reduce administrative burdens on teachers, expand career and technical education opportunities, and ensure parents have a stronger voice in their children’s education.
Economy & Tax Relief
As a small-business owner, Shannon understands the importance of keeping taxes low, supporting local businesses, and allowing families to keep more of what they earn.
Shannon helped deliver $422 million in new tax relief, including reducing South Carolina's top income tax rate from 6% to 5.21% and increasing the Homestead Exemption for eligible seniors from $50,000 to $75,000. She will continue working to keep South Carolina competitive, affordable, and open for business.
Public Safety
Shannon proudly supports the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders who work every day to keep our communities safe.
She helped support pay increases for state law enforcement and $24.5 million to expand the Palmetto 800 communications system used by first responders across South Carolina. Shannon will continue working to ensure those who protect our communities have the resources they need.
Infrastructure
With South Carolina and the Lowcountry continuing to grow, Shannon believes our roads and bridges must keep pace.
As Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, Shannon plays a leading role in transportation policy and helped advance $344 million in investments for roads and bridges to improve infrastructure, address congestion, and move important projects forward.
Protecting the Lowcountry
Shannon believes responsible growth must go hand-in-hand with protecting the land, water, and natural resources that make the Lowcountry special.
She has supported efforts involving shoreline management, Hunting Island State Park, and South Carolina's fishing, shrimping, oyster, hunting, and outdoor communities. Recent investments also include $80 million for land conservation, helping preserve South Carolina's natural resources for future generations.