Senate Starts 2022 with New Leadership

Senator Leatherman

The passing of Senator Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence) in November kicked off a major shuffle in Senate leadership. As we kick off the 2022 session tomorrow at noon, new leaders may mean new priorities and a new focus for the “deliberative body.”

Senate Finance Committee: Senator Leatherman was chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee for 20 years, so new leadership on that committee will bring unknowns. Senator Harvey Peeler (R-Gaffney) is the new Senate Finance Chairman.

Senator Peeler

Senator Peeler is an old hand in the Senate, was Senate President for a number of years, and has been a key member of Senate Finance for decades. He brings a breadth of knowledge and trusted leadership to the role. He is also more conservative than Senator Leatherman, so key items to the business community such as tax reform may see new life under Senator Peeler’s leadership. Senator Leatherman was skeptical of tax cuts and reform, concerned that while it is politically expedient to cut taxes in good times, it can case major revenue shortages for the state during recessions.

Senator Alexander

President of the Senate: When Senator Peeler stepped down as Senate President to be Finance Committee Chairman, it left that position open. Senator Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee) was elected Senate President in December by the body. Senator Alexander is a dedicated public servant and a great friend to the business community. He always has time for the members of our Coalition, and, while the description may seem trite, is just a really nice guy. He has the leadership skills and relationships to guide the Senate well through the next several years.

Senator Davis

Senate Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee: Senator Alexander had to step down as chairman of this powerful committee (that deals with many business issues, most notably for our members … labor regulations), leaving that role to be filled by Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort). Senator Davis was formerly Governor Mark Sanford’s Chief of Staff, and has true libertarian leanings at heart. As far as business issues go, this should be a lateral move for the Coalition. Senator Davis should be very friendly on a number of issues, and is very interested in reforming our labor licensing programs. That is a major issue that we have worked on for years — lowering barriers to employment by ensuring that licensing is truly for public health and safety reasons, not simply barriers to entry in a particular field.