COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to share his priorities for the year on Wednesday night in his state of the state address.
McMaster plans to deliver his speech in person, despite the concerns of COVID-19. The 73-year-old governor was infected with the virus in December, along with his wife.
The speech is made before a joint meeting of deputies and senators in the Chamber, which is usually packed when only 124 deputies are in the room.
The number of COVID-19 cases in the state has reached record levels in recent weeks, as South Carolina has one of the lowest vaccine distribution rates in the country.
McMaster’s speech is expected to address the same themes as the budget request he did last week. The governor wants lawmakers to set aside $ 500 million in a rainy day fund for a future crisis, expand broadband internet to all areas of the state and spend more on law enforcement.
McMaster’s speech is scheduled to start at 7pm. It is the third time that McMaster has delivered the speech before a joint session of the General Assembly.