Friday Five 1.4.2019

It is the first Friday Five of 2019!

1. The December Job Report, released today, announced surging results for the American economy. U.S. employers announced 312,000 jobs last month, shocking many economists who predicted the number of jobs created to be much lower. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9% from 3.7% as more people began seeking employment.
2. The 116th United States Congress convened yesterday, January 3rd. Yesterday evening, the newly Democratic-controlled Congress, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, proposed and approved a packaged to end the government shutdown. Included in the “democratic package” consisted of a bill to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 8 while border security conversations continue. This bill was approved 239-192. Funding the Agriculture Interior, as well as other departments, through Sept. 30th, was also approved, 241-192. Freshman Congressman William Timmons, casting his vote for the very first time in the United States House of Representatives,  voted against both measures.  
3. The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce announced the hire of its new president and CEO. David  Merhib, with four years of experience under his belt as the former President and CEO of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce in South Dakota, will start January 28th. We had the chance to meet Mr. Merhib last fall and we look forward to working with him this year!
4. Are you wondering which controversial policy issues will be at the forefront of the General Assembly for the upcoming 2019 session? Education reform, pension reform, and tax reform.  As if we needed anything else to try and accomplish.
5. Congressman Jeff Duncan files eight pieces of legislation that cover an array of topics from sanctuary cities to “Old Glory” on the first day of the 116th Congress.  “These bills address a number of concerns I have heard from constituents in the Third Congressional District over the years,” Duncan said, “I look forward to advocating for these bills along with individual liberty, free-markets, and limited government during the 116th Congress.”

Bonus: “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” – Everett Dirksen. Everett Dirksen, a prominent figure of the Republican Party from the state of Illinois, was born on this day, January 4th, in 1896. The quote above is commonly associated with the former Senator, mainly in character, illustrating his cautious attitude towards spending by the federal government. Though mainly referenced by this quote, or the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., Dirksen is also remembered for his assistance as the Senate Minority Leader in writing and passing two landmark pieces of legislation during the Civil Rights Movement: 1) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 2) The Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Have a Happy New Year! We’ll be in Columbia this week for the start of the General Assembly, so please check out our twitter accounts and this blog for updates!