Gov. Henry McMaster

Join me tomorrow night at 7 as I deliver my final State of the State address and share my plan to keep South Carolina on the path of prosperity.   Watch it live here: youtube.com/watch?v=hghoiC…

South Carolina’s workforce and manufacturing industry continue to demonstrate their strength on the global stage. @weareboeingsc has shown that our state’s workforce has the skill to create products that lead the world, and we’re proud to see them succeed.

SC Forestry Commission issuing statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately COLUMBIA—The South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice. The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire. In addition to drought intensifying from a lack of significant rainfall, forecasts are calling for higher winds, low humidities and no precipitation in the foreseeable future. A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. Because current weather conditions are very conducive to fires escaping easily and spreading rapidly, anyone considering outdoor burning should take extra precautions if they still choose to burn under a Red Flag. “The combination of dangerous conditions and dry fuels we’re going to see statewide for the next several days all add up to an elevated wildfire risk, and any fire that ignites is likely to burn intensely and spread rapidly,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “With this alert, we’re asking people to respect the weather and hold off from burning outdoors until the weather improves. If you have burned recently, we encourage you to monitor the burn area to make sure the dry conditions don’t cause it to rekindle.” Adding to the danger, particularly in the western part of the state, are the heavy fuel loads that remain in our forests from Hurricane Helene. Not only can these downed, drying trees and other fuels act as kindling, increasing the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, but they also are likely to impede firefighters’ access, adversely impacting response capability. Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation. Shareable link: scfc.gov/wp-content/upl…

Congress and state legislatures are wrestling with how and what to do with AI. Protecting our children, our families, and our security should be at the top of everyone’s list. The Alliance for a Better Future is working to make sure America does AI the right way.

This morning, I joined the University of South Carolina for the ribbon cutting of its new Brain Health Center. Families and patients facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive conditions will now have better access to the care and treatment they need.

Government must always be open and accountable to the people it serves. Throughout “Sunshine Week,” South Carolina recognizes the importance of transparency in a strong democracy.

Peggy and I join all of America in praying for President Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, as she battles breast cancer. Her courage is unmatched, and our thoughts are with her and her family.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina until 2 PM EDT

Peggy and I are saddened to learn of Coach Lou Holtz’s passing. He led a memorable era of Gamecock football at the University of South Carolina that South Carolinians will always remember. We are praying for his family.

Today, alongside Chief Justice John Kittredge, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and Speaker of the House Murrell Smith, we joined together as the three branches of South Carolina’s government to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

I was honored to meet with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family today and offer my condolences as we paid tribute to his life and legacy.

Every spring, Darlington’s Throwback Race Weekend puts South Carolina in the national spotlight. It was great to welcome @joeylogano and @TooToughToTame to the Governor’s Mansion as we prepare to host fans from across the country. See you all at the track!

At the @WhiteHouse last week for meetings with Gov @KellyAyotte We viewed the Allende meteorite that fell in Chihuahua, Mexico, on February 8, 1969. It’s 4.567-billion-years-old, just a few more than me.

Great overtime Gold Medal win for Team USA Hockey and for America! 🇺🇸🦅🥇🏒

South Carolina is proud to stand with our military families. We’ve signed on as a Do Your Part State, joining a national effort led by @BlueStarFamily and @NatlGovsAssoc to ensure those who serve and sacrifice can thrive.

Great dialogue this morning at the Council of Governors meeting, it’s an honor to serve as the council chairman. #NGAWinterMeeting

A native son of South Carolina, and an icon of the civil rights movement, the Reverend Jesse Jackson was a prominent voice in our nation’s political and cultural dialogue. Peggy and I are saddened to learn of his passing.  At the appropriate time, I will direct the flags over the Capitol to be lowered to honor his legacy and memory.

Pamela Evette has been a steady partner in strengthening South Carolina’s economy, improving education, and keeping our communities safe. I’m proud to support her as our next governor so our state can keep moving forward.

At the @SCManufacturers Automotive Summit, we celebrated an industry that supports more than 119,000 jobs and delivers a $64 billion annual impact. With continued investments in workforce training and education, South Carolina is well positioned to lead the future of manufacturing.

Yesterday I joined leaders at the Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism in Myrtle Beach to highlight tourism’s role in our state’s success. By investing in our natural resources, parks, and infrastructure, we will ensure South Carolina remains a place visitors return to year after year.

Election season is upon us. South Carolina’s farmers and foresters deserve the best. Their new leader must be one who loves our state, knows our land, and will always do right by our people. One who will help President Trump Make Agriculture Great Again. That leader is fifth-generation Pee Dee farmer Cody Simpson, and I am calling on Cody to step up and answer the call to serve as South Carolina’s next Commissioner of Agriculture. President Trump appointed Cody to lead the South Carolina Farm Service Agency. Before that, he served as my agriculture advisor. Cody Simpson has the experience needed and, just as importantly, has the knowledge and understanding of the challenges our rural families face. Because he has lived them. If he runs, he will do so with my full endorsement and support.