Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Rep. Joe Wilson unveiled his legislative agenda for 2023 in front of the Barnwell County Courthouse on Jan. 13. Pictured from left: Erin Harrison (district aide for the Barnwell/Aiken office), Barnwell businessman Don Alexander, Barnwell City Councilwoman Peggy Kinlaw, Rep. Wilson, Barnwell County Councilman Ben Kinlaw, and Barnwell County Councilman Daniel Alexander.
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson held his annual media tour on Jan. 13.
Making stops in Barnwell, Aiken, North Augusta, and West Columbia, the Republican congressman for the Second Congressional District unveiled his legislative priorities for 2023, including creating jobs and economic growth, promoting conservative solutions, combating inflation, and safeguarding the military and national security.
“I look forward to working with the new Republican majority (in the U.S. House),” he said, as they work toward upholding “conservative principles.”
One key priority is to create jobs and promote economic growth.
This is done by working with local chambers of commerce, protecting South Carolina’s “Right to Work” laws, promoting tax cuts that created record job growth in the past, and eliminating burdensome regulations that destroy jobs. He said he was thrilled to see development happening in downtown Barnwell with the renovation of the former Evelyn’s Jewelry and Berley’s Pharmacy buildings.
Continuing to be an advocate for more missions at the Savannah River Site (SRS), the area’s largest employer, is also vital.
“I have a real appreciation for what that means for national security,” said Wilson, the only member of the U.S. House of Representatives to have worked at SRS.
At the top of the list for promoting conservative solutions is supporting a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“The debt being forced onto our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is outrageous,” said Rep. Wilson.
He also wants to focus on limiting IRS overreach targeting families and businesses, advocating for local school governance and choice, supporting police by opposing any defunding legislation, and advancing innovative healthcare solutions like telemedicine.
To combat inflation, Wilson wants to encourage domestic energy production/independence, boost domestic manufacturing to help small businesses grow and create jobs, protect the supply chain, promote fiscal responsibility by reducing government spending, and defending Social Security and Medicare.
The final component of his legislative agenda is to safeguard the nation’s military and national security.
“We must work to secure our borders,” he said.
It’s also important to ensure veterans receive quality healthcare, protect TRICARE benefits for military families/retirees, and deter economic and military threats from Russia, China, Iran, and other aggressors.
As he met with local leaders and citizens, Rep. Wilson said he has fond memories of coming to Barnwell County as a child to hunt for quail and dove at Fuller Pond.
“I always thought Barnwell was a resort,” he said.
For more information on Rep. Wilson, go to https://joewilson.house.gov. His Aiken/Barnwell office (1930 University Parkway, Aiken) can be reached at (803) 642-6416.
