Issues

Taxes & Spending Runaway spending has seriously damaged our economy. As a small business owner and conservative leader, Larry understands the harm caused by irresponsible government spending and the economic drain caused excessive taxes. Our state should be run for the benefit of the taxpayers and, in the Senate, Larry has fought diligently to cut spending and control the growth of government.

 

Jobs & Economic Development The key to a better economy is cutting taxes and keeping spending in check. Without controls on spending or on the total tax burden, our state is weighed down with ever higher taxes and fees which we cannot afford that in difficult economic times. Now more than ever, our state needs to protect and promote economic expansion as a way to improve the lives of all our citizens. But careful planning is necessary to protect our quality of life.

 

Education Good teachers should be rewarded and lower-performing schools must be made the best they can be. Spending on education consumes more than 50 percent of South Carolina’s budget, but only 44 cents of each education dollar makes it into the classroom. As the father of school-age children, Larry believes that reforming our education system and increasing options for parents is a must. We must also empower teachers and principals to bring discipline and order to the classroom.

 

Transportation When others were afraid to take on allegations of misconduct within the state Department of Transportation, Larry led a six-month investigation that uncovered unscrupulous activity. He wrote the SCDOT Reform Act, and put into place a system to keep an eye on spending and to ensure that DOT leaders are qualified before serving. As Chairman of the Transportation Committee he wrote a creative plan that, without raising taxes, would provide millions in new funding for road construction and repair.

Law Enforcement Larry understands that our survival as a civilization requires that crimes are punished fairly and swiftly. As Governor, Larry will make sure law enforcement has the tools necessary to stop crimes and catch criminals.

 

Guns Larry is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Larry also believes that the state should pass laws to shield firearms manufacturers and dealers from predatory lawsuits. As Governor he will fight for the rights of gun owners, collectors, and hunters.

 

Pro-life As a father of three sons, Larry believes children are a gift from God. Larry is a passionate supporter of the rights of the unborn.

 

Judicial Reform In order to have a strong economy we must limit frivolous lawsuits and unreasonable awards. Doctors, hospitals and pharmacies need protection from predatory lawsuits, trial lawyers should not be allowed to collect fortunes while their clients get only a small sum.

 

Restructuring The state GEAR commission has identified millions of dollars in savings, but only the legislature can make those changes. As governor, Larry will build on these recommendations — as well as his track record of reforming DOT and the State Ports Authority — to make government more efficient and better serve South Carolinians.

 

Immigration Protecting our borders is a national obligation the federal government has failed to enforce. In the Senate Larry worked to fully fund our state’s newly adopted worker ID law. As our Governor, Larry will ensure reasonable but effective rules requiring verification of a person’s legal status before receiving government assistance, state contracts, or any other benefits.  

 

Agriculture Though South Carolina is becoming increasingly urbanized, farming and agriculture-related businesses remain South Carolina’s largest industry. As former Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Larry worked hard to pass changes to the Right to Farm Act, ensuring that our family farms can operate without needless government regulations. As governor, he’ll work to protect South Carolina’s rich farming heritage.

 

Marriage & the Family As a Christian, Larry believes that marriage is reserved for one man and one woman. Protecting families from unnecessary government interference will be a priority for his administration. Larry wants our children to grow up in a world where family life is valued.