Issue Position: Economy

Richie firmly believes that economic growth via the free enterprise system is the basis of true freedom for all Americans. He believes that excessive government regulations, unnecessary fees, wasteful government spending, burdensome over-taxation and frivolous lawsuits are endangerments to personal liberty and improved quality of life for all South Carolinians. As a fiscal conservative, Richie will support lower taxes, favorable capital gains policies, tort reform, targeted waste/fraud reduction legislation and meaningful government spending reform at all levels.

The newly formed Chesterfield County Economic Development Alliance is exactly the kind of united effort our area needs to get the economy back on track. It includes major strategies and tactics designed to attract business and capital investment including workforce development education/training, new business recruitment and infrastructure improvements. Richie's involvement will include, but not be limited to, advocating for state funded projects, expediting communication with private sector industry leaders and working with all local officials on marketing and educational opportunities.

Tourism is one of the top industries in South Carolina and is growing in economic importance in District 53. Studies commissioned by several towns in the district have all drawn the conclusion that this area is perfectly positioned to take advantage of our unique terrain, large rural land areas, rich historic legacy and close proximity to large urban populations like Charlotte, Columbia, Greensboro, and Raleigh to enhance our own tourism segment growth. Some significant strides have already been made with new entities representing world class equestrian, motocross and automotive facilities/events now calling District 53 home. Richie will work diligently to educate everyone about these seemingly hidden treasures and leverage their success into even more economic opportunities.

Studies commissioned by several towns in the district have all drawn the conclusion that this area is perfectly positioned to take advantage of our unique terrain, large rural land areas, rich historic legacy and close proximity to large urban populations like Charlotte, Columbia, Greensboro, and Raleigh to enhance our own tourism segment growth. Some significant strides have already been made with new entities representing world class equestrian, motocross and automotive facilities/events now calling District 53 home.

Richie will work diligently to educate everyone about these seemingly hidden treasures and leverage their success into even more economic opportunities.
Agriculture is one of District 53's largest industries and District 53 farmers represent the best in innovation, entrepreneurism and stewardship. The future success of all South Carolina farmers is endangered as the government seeks to take over farm production with needless, uninformed and often ill-advised regulations. Richie believes government must respect the private property rights of farmers and empower them to make decisions about the most productive use of their principal asset--their land. As a South Carolina house member, Richie will consistently vote to protect private property rights and leave decisions about how to run farms to our very capable farmers.

Richie believes that District 53 has recently been under-served by its elected state level representatives. Chesterfield and Lancaster Counties respectively, are ranked 15th and 17th worst unemployment figures in the state. Both counties are also classified as Tier IV and distressed concerning other state unemployment rankings. Both of these designations represent last place in their categories. This is unacceptable. Richie will vigorously promote District 53 and he will lead the effort to educate the "world" about "us". We have good schools, an enviable quality of life, strong Christian values, a strong work ethic, a diverse economic base and abundant natural resources. Just like South Carolina as a whole, District 53 has a strong base in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism with each of these segments offering tremendous growth opportunities. Through coordinated cooperation, District 53 will reclaim the high ground of economic development.

Source