The News
First Monday is a Republican Business Forum allowing members of the club to become acquainted with and participate in discussions with elected officials, business leaders, candidates and party leaders.
Greenville Housing Fund
First Monday was pleased to host Tiffany Santagati and Amber Steward (Bryan Brown was unable to attend) of the Greenville Housing Fund.
They spoke about housing trends and the need to identify opportunities for ‘Affordable Housing’ in our area. The main discussion was around who qualifies for this type of housing – everyone from Greenville County School District Teachers to Solid Waste Equipment Operators to local Firefighters and Police to the Greenlink Bus Driver. They discussed affordable housing funding sources, community partners, investment, and development in our area. Learn more at www.greenvillehousingfund.com
Rep. Bruce Bannister
First Monday was pleased to host Rep. Bruce Bannister, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
He spoke about providing hurricane relief to help South Carolinians recover from tropical storms Debby and Helene. Cutting income taxes, in this year’s budget, the Legislature doubled the law’s scheduled reduction to $200 million. Reinstating K-12 scholarships for private schools and school choice expansion. Modernization of the state’s energy generation capacity and a review of major health agency consolidation. And reducing insurance rates for restaurants that serve alcohol and putting magistrates through a screening process.
Congressman William Timmons
First Monday was pleased to host our 4th District Congressman William Timmons as our speaker today.
He spoke about the federal deficit and the out-of-control spending that happens in Washington, DC. Congressman Timmons gave an overview of the different departments and their spending habits that are costing the US taxpayer. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Department of the Treasury reported a total deficit of $1.8 trillion, $138 billion more than in FY23.
Over the past 100 years, the U.S. federal debt has increased from $394 Billion in 1924 to $35.46 Trillion in 2024.