PROSPERITY — U.S. Senator Tim Scott stopped by the Fairview Community Center, just before Veterans Day, to talk about what is happening in Washington D.C. and answer any questions his constituents might have.

“I am on the Finance Committee and we are very close to getting something done on the finance side of tax reform, which I think will be tremendous for the American people. Folks who pay taxes, the focus on our time has been on hard working Americans, especially in the lower class,” Scott said. “I am also on the Small Business Committee, as a former small business owner I will say that it is a lot of fun to talk about how to stir economic growth and create a dynamic economy.”

One area Scott touched on was wages. He said that for the last 10 years wages have not gone up, but thanks to a tighter economy that looks to change.

“For the first time in a long time, with a full economy and tax cut coming, it is going to lift our economy and lift our wages. You have seen this with the larger companies already, they have already started signaling what is coming,” he said. “The Economy is getting tighter and tighter, which means people are going back to work. Heading toward $15 an hour, without the government telling them they have to do it because the reality is a full economy raises your wages quicker than the government can do so. Large companies are doing it now because of full employment. The good news is what happens after larger companies start filling those holes, the small businesses start doing the exact same thing.”

Scott added that a good time for tax reform to happen is anytime, but if there is a great time for tax reform to happen it is when you are working toward a full economy.

“I think we are in an infinitely better position on tax reform than we were on health care. We have been talking for about nine months between the White House, the Senate and the House, we will get it done,” Scott said.

Scott also talked about trade jobs, and how it is a lost art. He said that we have an education system designed for a workforce of our future, from 30 years ago.

“As opposed to telling businesses what they want, we are asking businesses what they want and designed curriculum around what they said they are going to hire. That has started to work for us. One of the best destinations for high tech manufacturing is South Carolina, because our tech schools have started to listen,” Scott said. “Looking at the next 10 years, 70% of jobs created in South Carolina will not require a college education, but will require more than high school. We are heading toward middle college, (where) juniors and seniors in high school can earn an AA, and work toward an apprenticeship program.”

Scott added that Germany has the best model on Earth for an apprenticeship program, but he would like to change that and have America have the best model.

In honor of Veterans Day, Scott recognized all the veterans in attendance and said that when you are looking around the country for real heroes, look to our veterans. He said do not look for American heroes on T.V., but rather the men and women who are willing to go on the front lines and put their lives on the line.

Senator Tim Scott stopped by Prosperity on Friday to meet with his constituents.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_DSC_0288.jpgSenator Tim Scott stopped by Prosperity on Friday to meet with his constituents. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Scott and Cathy Cain with Senator Tim Scott.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_DSC_0290.jpgScott and Cathy Cain with Senator Tim Scott. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Senator Tim Scott with Colby, one of the youngest individuals in attendance.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_DSC_0295.jpgSenator Tim Scott with Colby, one of the youngest individuals in attendance. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.