Today, I head to the State House to begin the first year of the 122nd session of the SC General Assembly. As always, there is much work to do.

I ask for your prayers again so that I can continue “…to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Once again, I will keep you updated with regular emails as well as posts on my website (www.nathansnews.com). I hope you will continue to contact me anytime with your advice or concerns. Please know that this year I am serving on a new committee. I’ve attached a link and article from the New Irmo News with that information.

BALLENTINE, HUGGINS RECEIVE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Irmo and Chapin will soon have 2 members serving on the top committee in the SC House of Representatives.

During the House Organizational session this week, Rep. Chip Huggins (R-Lexington) was reappointed to the House Ways and Means Committee where he has served for many years. Joining Rep. Huggins in January will be Rep. Nathan Ballentine (R-Lexington). Both members represent the Irmo/Chapin communities and successful won their primaries this June. Huggins was challenged by homebuilder Bryan Clifton and won 62 percent to 38 percent while Ballentine defeated current Richland County Councilman, Bill Malinowski, 84 percent to 16 percent.

Of the 124 members in the SC House, only 25 serve on the budget committee. The committee crafts the state budget every year and is responsible for appropriating more than $20 billion to run state government. Almost every member on the committee have served in the House for more than 10 years and have earned the respect of their House colleagues.

“Irmo and Chapin are fortunate to have Chip and Nathan on the House Ways and Means Committee,” House Majority Leader Gary Simrill (R-York) said. “Both are tireless workers at the State House and back home in their communities”

While Huggins has previously served on the committee, Ballentine was promoted after serving on the Labor, Commerce and Industry committee (LCI) which is responsible for any bills pertaining to business in the state.

“I certainly enjoyed my time on LCI and will continue to help our state grow, recruit and expand jobs for our state,” Ballentine said. “I could not pass up an opportunity and honor like this and now get to work alongside my desk-mate and prioritize where our state invests our taxpayer’s dollars.”

“Nathan’s financial background and ability to find solutions will be an asset to the committee and our state,” Simrill said. “He and Chip both know how to work for their people and also work with the members of the body to get things done.”

To contact or learn more about Nathan Ballentine visit www.nathansnews.com. For Chip Huggins call 803-331-8468 or e-mail chiphugginssc@gmail.com.

***

Nathan Ballentine
House of Representatives, District 71
Richland and Lexington Counties
320B Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29221
803-734-2969
www.nathansnews.com