A Guide to the SC Legislative Process and Advocacy скачать в хорошем качестве

A Guide to the SC Legislative Process and Advocacy

Have you ever felt like the decisions made at the South Carolina Statehouse are a mystery? As the 2026 legislative session begins, hundreds of bills on critical issues are on the table, but for many, influencing the outcome seems impossible. This episode provides a masterclass on the South Carolina legislative process, demystifying how you can make your voice heard in Columbia. We break down the core problem many citizens face: how to effectively monitor and get involved in state-level government. Join host Katy Smith as she speaks with GP McLeer, Director of Public Policy for Together SC and the Mayor of Fountain Inn, for an insider's guide to state government. This detailed discussion provides actionable statehouse advocacy tips, starting with the importance of timing and knowing who to talk to. GP explains why the best first step is to pick a single issue or bill and follow it closely, much like picking a single car to watch in a NASCAR race, to truly understand the system. From there, we dive deep into how a bill becomes a law in South Carolina, covering everything from pre-filed and carry-over bills within the two-year legislative cycle to the crucial roles of committees, subcommittees, and the three "readings" a bill must pass. You'll learn what happens during a second reading debate, how a conference committee resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill, and what it takes to override a governor's veto. The conversation also provides a practical guide on how to track legislation in South Carolina using the free tools available on the Statehouse website and app, which can send you notifications for every update. Finally, we explore how to contact South Carolina legislators, offering advice on finding their information and building a productive relationship, transforming the intimidating legislative process into an accessible avenue for civic engagement. About Our Guest: GP McLeer is the Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement for Together SC, where he helps educate nonprofits and citizens on how to engage with state government. He is also the current Mayor of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, bringing a wealth of firsthand experience in both local and state-level policy. As a self-proclaimed C-SPAN fan, GP is an expert at making the complexities of the South Carolina legislature understandable and accessible to everyone. Timestamp: (0:00) Introduction: The Mystery of the SC Legislature (2:06) Why the Statehouse Can Feel So Intimidating (3:13) Getting Started: Statehouse Advocacy Tips (4:59) The NASCAR Metaphor: Pick an Issue and Follow It (8:14) How a Bill Becomes a Law in South Carolina (10:30) The Role of Committees, Readings, and Votes (14:00) What Happens in a Conference Committee? (15:00) Understanding the Governor's Veto (15:50) How to Contact Your South Carolina Legislators (18:13) How to Track Legislation on the Statehouse Website & App What are your biggest questions about the legislative process in South Carolina? Have you ever tried to contact your representative or senator? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below! Don't forget to like this video and subscribe for more episodes that simplify civic engagement. #southcarolina #scpol #scstatehouse #civiceducation #advocacy #billtolaw #southcarolinalegislature #simplecivics #greenvillecounty _ Produced by Podcast Studio X: https://podcaststudiox.com Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution: https://greatergoodgreenville.network... Join the newsletter: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty....