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James “Mike” Mikell Burns — Republican State Representative for South Carolina District 17 (official headshot)

James “Mike” Mikell Burns Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

SC Representative

District: 17 • Republican

2024 DEM Alignment:

63.16%

Lifetime Alignment:

71.28%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Rep. James “Mike” Mikell Burns (R-SC-17) earned a 63% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. James “Mike” Mikell Burns voted on 57 of the 61 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 2 years rated, James “Mike” Mikell Burns's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 71%, with 100 votes recorded across 108 scored bills. James “Mike” Mikell Burns represents the 17th District in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

H 3424 (House Version)House 20241x

Protecting Children by Requiring Age Verification for Online Pornography Websites.

With DEMs
This bill, known as the "Child Online Safety Act," requires any website that "publishes or distributes material harmful to minors," such as sexual content, to verify that any person accessing the website is 18 or older, if the website "contains a substantial portion of such material." Support.
H 3594House 20241x

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Enacting "Constitutional Carry" thus Allowing Qualified Adults 18 and Older to Carry a Handgun Without a Special Permit.

With DEMs
This bill, the "South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2023," authorizes qualifying adults 18 years and older to carry a handgun without having to obtain a special permit from the state - a measure commonly referred to as "constitutional carry". The bill also establishes mandatory minimum sentences for second (5 years) and third (10 years) convictions for unlawful firearm or ammunition possession due to a previous felony conviction. The bill also requires an additional term of up to 3 years for certain weapons offenses "involving a concealable weapon," if the individual does not have a concealed weapon permit. While the bill does contain some negative provisions, such as requiring the State Law Enforcement Division to provide free concealed carry training classes, the measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 3951House 20241x

Expanding Cronyism Within the Agricultural Industry Through Grants to Property Owners to Conserve Farmland.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act," establishes the Working Farmland Protection Fund for the South Carolina Conservation Bank to provide "grants to eligible trust fund recipients for the purchase of interests in farmland in which a landowner derives at least fifty percent of his income." Grants are awarded to property owners who receive funds from the South Carolina Conservation Bank Trust Fund, and are based on consideration of factors such as the risk of the property being converted to non-agricultural use. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4087House 20241x

Growing Cronyism and Corporate Welfare Through a Tax Exemption for Federal Broadband Grant Funds and Expanding Eligibility for Recycling Facility and Employee Retraining Tax Credits.

Against DEMs
This bill contains several provisions related to corporate tax credits. Most notably, for 2023 through 2028, the bill exempts from income taxes any grants for broadband infrastructure received through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The bill also reduces the required investment to qualify for the recycling facility tax credit from $300 million to $150 million and expands the withholding tax credit for retraining under the "Enterprise Zone Act of 1995." All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4231 (House Version)House 20241x

Expanding Individual Liberties by Authorizing Counties to Permit Liquor Stores to Operate from 1pm - 5pm on Sundays if Approved by Voters.

Against DEMs
This bill allows counties to permit retail and micro-distillery liquor sales on Sundays between 1-5pm, if approved by voter referendum. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4289House 20241x

Protecting Students and Staff at Public Colleges and Universities from being Forced to Provide Diversity Statements in the Application Process or as a Condition of Employment.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) from asking prospective job or student applicants to provide a "statement regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or other associated political issues." This measure helps protect free speech as well as taxpayer funds from being utilized to promote politicized DEI efforts which sow division amongst Americans and are intended to further grow the role of government. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4294House 20241x

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Authorizing an Exception to Limitations on Millage Increases for Rural Counties.

Against DEMs
This bill allows rural counties to exceed the limitation on local property tax millage increases "to support a fire protection district." Under existing law, the millage rate may not be increased by more than the increase in CPI plus the percentage increase in the county''s population. Under the bill, increases are limited to 2% and funds must be used "to reduce fees or other similar charges that support fire protection." Additionally, "Once all such fees are eliminated, additional revenue must be used to support the fire protection district." This includes "any county with a population of seventy thousand or less as of the 2020 decennial census that does not have a full-time fire department that is fully supported by the local applicable fire millage." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4364House 20241x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Allowing Curbside Pickup and Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages.

Against DEMs
This bill allows curbside delivery/pickup and delivery of alcoholic beverages. Retailers may deliver or hire delivery services to deliver beverages to consumers. The bill requires verification of consumers'' age using a photo ID. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4624House 20241x

Protecting Children Under 18 from Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions with Irreversible Implications Until they are Old Enough to Consent.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent and prohibits Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from providing coverage for such procedures for minors. The bill also prohibits the use of public funds for gender transition procedures. Support.
H 4624 (Amd. 14)House 20241x

Protecting Children by Making it a Felony to Provide Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions to Minors.

With DEMs
The Caskey and T. Moore amendment #14 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment provides that "A physician who knowingly performs genital gender reassignment surgery in violation of this chapter is guilty of inflicting great bodily injury upon a child," a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 10)House 20241x

Weakening Parental Rights by Blocking an Effort to Require School Administrators and Counselors to Notify Parents if Their Child''s Gender Perception is Different than Their Sex or the Child Requests to Use a Different Name or Pronoun.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Beach amendment #10 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment requires public school principals, vice principals, and counselors to "immediately notify a minor''s parent or legal guardian if the minor" "asserts to any school employee that the minor''s gender is inconsistent with his or her sex" or "requests a school employee to address the minor" by a different name or pronoun. This measure ensures parents retain the right to direct their child''s upbringing. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 11)House 20241x

Protecting Children by Blocking an Effort to Allow Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions for Minors if 2 Physicians State it is in the Minor''s Best Interest.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the J. L. Johnson amendment #11 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment allows physicians to continue treating minors with cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers "if two medical doctors state that it is not in the minor individual''s best interest, as the change will likely harm the minor''s health or well being, to decrease or discontinue the prescription." Underlying bill allows continuation of treatment through January 31, 2025 while treatment is "systematically reduced." Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 13)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Protect Children by Requiring License Suspension for Healthcare Providers who Provide Sex-Reassignment Procedures or Puberty Blockers to Minors.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Magnuson and Pace amendment #13 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment modifies the provision relating to punishment for healthcare providers who provide gender transition procedures to minors, to require "at a minimum, an immediate one-year suspension of licensure." Oppose.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 2)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Allow the Use of Taxpayer Funds for Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pendarvis amendment #2 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment eliminates language prohibiting the use of public funds "directly or indirectly for gender transition procedures." Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 3)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Allow the Use of Taxpayer Funds for Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions for Adults.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pendarvis amendment #3 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment modifies the prohibition on the use of public of public funds "directly or indirectly for gender transition procedures" to only apply to minors. Additionally, the amendment modifies the prohibition on Medicaid reimbursement or coverage for prohibited services to only apply to minors (rather than anyone under 26). Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 4)House 20241x

Protecting Children by Blocking an Effort to Allow Physicians to Continue Treating Minors with Cross-Sex Hormones and Puberty Blockers if Previously Started.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the J. Moore amendment #4 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment allows physicians to continue treating minors with cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers if treatment began prior to January 1, 2025. The underlying bill allows continuation of treatment through January 31, 2025 while the treatment is "systematically reduced." Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 5)House 20241x

Protecting Children by Blocking an Effort to Allow Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions for Minors if Aligned with the Latest WPATH Standard of Care.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Rose amendment #5 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment modifies the prohibition on "gender transition procedures" for minors to allow such treatment "if the procedures align with the most recent standard of care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health." Support.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 6)House 20241x

Strengthening Parental Rights by Blocking an Effort to Remove the Prohibition on Public School Staff Withholding from Parents that Their Child''s Gender Perception is Different than Their Sex.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Ott amendment #6 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment eliminates language which provides that public school staff may not "withhold from a minor''s parent or legal guardian information related to the minor''s perception that his or her gender is inconsistent with his or her sex" and from "encourage or coerce a minor to withhold" such information from their parents. This measure ensures parents retain the right to direct their child''s upbringing. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 7)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Protect Children by Requiring License Suspension and At Least a $5,000 Fine for Healthcare Providers who Provide Sex-Reassignment Procedures or Puberty Blockers to Minors.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace and Magnuson amendment #7 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment modifies the provision relating to punishment for healthcare providers who provide gender transition procedures to minors, to require "at a minimum, an immediate one-year suspension of licensure and a five thousand dollar fine by the licensing entity with jurisdiction." Oppose.
H 4624 (Motion to Table Amd. 9)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Protect Children by Making it a Misdemeanor to Provide Sex-Reassignment Procedures or Puberty Blockers to Minors.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Magnuson amendment #9 to a bill that prohibits sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers for minors. The amendment makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Oppose.
H 4700House 20241x

Expanding Government Overreach by Requiring Age Verification for All Social Media Users.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "South Carolina Social Media Regulation Act," requires social media platforms to verify that any person making an account is 18 or older, and to prohibit anyone under 18 from doing so unless "express consent of a parent or guardian" is provided. The bill also requires social media platforms to provide parents the ability to supervise a minor''s account and requires certain restrictions on content. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Education to develop model programs for "online safety" for grades 6-12, which school districts may use. While the intent of this bill is noble, it is the role of parents - not politicians - to oversee their children''s social media usage. This bill expands the nanny state by imposing new regulations on private companies. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4710House 20241x

Promoting Self-Sufficiency and Reducing Spending in the Unemployment Insurance System by Scaling the Maximum Benefit Period Based on the Unemployment Rate.

With DEMs
This bill amends the maximum unemployment benefits period. Previously, "The maximum potential benefits of any insured worker in a benefit year" were "twenty times his weekly benefit amount" or "one-third of his wages for insured work paid during his base period," whichever is less. Under this bill, the maximum benefit period is based on the "Seasonal Adjusted Unemployment Rate," with the number of week ranging from 12 when the unemployment rate is less than or equal to 5.50025% up to a maximum of 20 weeks when the unemployment rate is more than 9%. According to the bill''s fiscal note, "This will result in fewer benefits paid when the unemployment rate is lower." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4927 (Motion to Table Amd. 3)House 20241x

Blocking an Effort to Ensure Law Enforcement and Health Officers Are Not Required to Enforce "Health Czar" Mandates.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Magnuson amendment #3 to the "Health Czar" bill. The amendment eliminates language requiring law enforcement and health officers to "carry out and obey" orders issued by the Director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control and "enforce and carry out any and all restrictive measures and quarantine regulations that may be prescribed." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 4957House 20241x

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Expanding the Ability of College Athletes to Earn Compensation for Their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

With DEMs
This bill amends the state''s college athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) laws to allow schools to "directly or through an agreement with a third party," provide opportunities for athletes "to earn compensation for the use of the intercollegiate athlete''s name, image, or likeness." Additionally, colleges and universities "may grant permission to intercollegiate athletes to use its trademarks and facilities." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Amd. 36A)House 20241x

Growing Government Central Planning Through Up to $10 Million for Efforts to Expand Funding for Affordable Housing and Workforce Housing.

Against DEMs
The Bannister and Cobb-Hunter amendment #36A to Part 1B, Section 42 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment adds language directing the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority to "collaborate with Habitat for Humanity South Carolina" and authorizes spending up to $10 million "of existing funds to explore funding opportunities aimed at increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing and workforce housing in the State."
H 5100 (Amd. 5A)House 20241x

Reducing a Barrier to School Choice by Ensuring Independent School Students May Participate in Interscholastic Athletics.

With DEMs
The Guffey amendment #5A to Part 1B, Section 1 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment prohibits the use of any appropriated funds in the act from being "used to deny individual students who attend independent schools in this State the opportunity to try out for and, if selected, participate in an interscholastic athletic program offered at a public school in the district if" certain requirements are met. This includes requirements such as that the "student resides within the attendance zone boundaries of the public school" and that the "independent school attended by the student does not offer the particular sport for the student''s gender." This amendment strengthens school choice by removing a barrier which may have dissuaded families from choosing an independent school for their child''s education. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 19)House 20241x

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Eliminating Over $7 Million in Unnecessary Funding to Relocate the Department of Public Health.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace, Harris, White, A.M. Morgan, Magnuson, Beach, May, Cromer, and Kilmartin amendment #19 to Part 1A, Section 31 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment eliminates an appropriation of over $7 million for agency lease payments for the relocation of the Department of Public Health. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 24sub.)House 20241x

Protecting Life by Prohibiting the Use of State Funds for Abortions.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Magnuson amendment #24sub to Part 1B, Section 33 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment adds language prohibiting the use of any state funds in the bill from being used "to directly or indirectly subsidize abortion services or procedures or administrative functions" and prohibits any funds in the bill from being "paid or granted to an organization that provides abortion services." The amendment also prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from accepting any "federal funds for family planning." It is not the role of government to guarantee abortion and force payment from taxpayers (many of whom may have strong religious objections). All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life. Oppose.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 25)House 20241x

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Reducing $600,000 in Unnecessary Funding for the Arts Commission.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace, Harris, A.M. Morgan, Beach, Cromer, White, Magnuson, May, and Kilmartin amendment #25 to Part 1A, Section 28 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment eliminates an appropriation of $348,000 to the Arts Commission for a new Arts Coordinator II position and reduces $252,000 in additional funding. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 4)House 20241x

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Reducing Funding for Classified Positions at Clemson University by Over $10 Million.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace, Harris, White, A.M. Morgan, Magnuson, Beach, May, Cromer, and Kilmartin amendment #4 to Part 1A, Section 14 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment reduces funding to Clemson University for classified positions by over $10 million. Funding for classified positions at Clemson University increased by over $14.9 million from the previous year, to over $122 million. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 50)House 20241x

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Eliminating $10 Million in Unnecessary Funding for "Film Incentives".

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace, Harris, White, A.M. Morgan, Magnuson, Beach, May, Cromer, and Kilmartin amendment #50 to Part 1B, Section 118 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment eliminates a $10 million appropriation to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for "film incentives." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 53)House 20241x

Increasing Fiscal Responsibility by Eliminating $5 Million in Unnecessary Funding for Sports Marketing.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Pace, Harris, White, A.M. Morgan, Magnuson, Beach, May, Cromer, and Kilmartin amendment #53 to Part 1B, Section 118 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment eliminates a $5 million appropriation to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for sports marketing. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Motion to Table Amd. 68)House 20241x

Blocking an Amendment Which Prohibited State Agencies from Using Funds to Contract with Lobbyists.

With DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the A.M. Morgan and May amendment #68 to Part 1B, Section 117 of the annual appropriations bill. The amendment prohibits state agencies from using any funds in the bill "to contract with a lobbyist." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 28 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $11 Million Appropriation (Over 5% Increase) to the Arts Commission.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $11 million (over 5% increase) to the Arts Commission. Providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 33 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $11 Billion Appropriation (Over $338 Million Increase) to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $11 billion (over $338 million increase) to the Department of Health and Human Services. Included in this amount are multiple wasteful provisions and programs, including rural healthcare and health intervention programs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 42 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $258 Million Appropriation to the Housing Finance and Development Authority.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $258 million (less than 0.5% decrease) to the Housing Finance and Development Authority. Included in this amount is over $19 million for rental assistance, over $1.3 million for housing credits, and over $5.9 million for homeownership programs including mortgage production and servicing. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 49)House 20241x

Fueling Wasteful and Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $142 Million Appropriation to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $142 million to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for purposes such as tourism sales and marketing and the state film office. Promoting tourism is not a core nor necessary function of government. The free-market and private industry - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is many times more effective in attracting visitors to the state and growing the economy. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 50 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $131 Million Appropriation to the Department of Commerce.

With DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $131 million to the Department of Commerce for purposes such as various economic development programs. The free market - not central planning schemes by bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to direct investment to the most promising initiatives and regions of the state. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 51 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Unnecessary Appropriation of Over $1 Million to the Jobs-Economic Development Authority.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $1 million to the Jobs-Economic Development Authority, a "quasi-public instrument" with a purpose of "assisting in the financing of public and private projects." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 55 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $195 Million Appropriation (Over 7% Increase) to the Department of Environmental Services.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $195 million (over 7% increase) to the Department of Environmental Services. Included in this amount is over $11 million for coastal resource improvement, over $10 million for air quality improvement, and over $7 million for laboratory management. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 71 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Unnecessary Appropriation of Over $3 Million to the Commission on Minority Affairs.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $3 million to the Commission on Minority Affairs, which "identifies and examines emerging issues and trends by providing constructive solutions and approaches to support the policy and socio-economic development of ethnic minority communities." This entity serves as an unnecessary bureaucracy. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1A, Section 8 - House Version)House 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $41 Million Appropriation (Over 23% Increase) to the Educational Television Commission.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill provides over $41 million (over 23% increase) to the Educational Television Commission. SCETV has an extensive programming schedule with multiple channels. South Carolina ETV is an unnecessary entity which merely competes with the private sector. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1B, Section 33 - House Version)House 20241x

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding State Involvement in Healthcare and Paving the Way for Medicaid Expansion.

With DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill includes several provisions related to growing government involvement in healthcare. For example, the section directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an "assessment" of "Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs" to, in part, "improve access to services throughout the State, particularly in rural areas." The department is also "authorized to increase Medicaid GME state match spending up to an additional $35 million dollars" "to increase residency training slots or to implement incentives that encourage residents to" specialize in certain areas of medicine or to practice in the state. The section also directs the Department to "develop one or more Requests for Proposals, to provide for Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) to be issued to Medicaid recipients." The free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of healthcare providers across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where providers may not be as accessible. Additionally, this measure paves the way for further government dependency through Medicaid expansion and increased spending. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5100 (Part 1B, Section 8 - House Version)House 20241x

Benefitting Comcast and Other Woke Corporations by Establishing a Pilot Project to Increase Public Wi-Fi in Rural and Underserved Areas.

Against DEMs
This section of the annual appropriations bill includes a provision directing the Educational Television Commission to "work with the Office of Regulatory Staff to establish a pilot project supporting awareness of digital adoption and addressing the need for increased public wi-fi in rural and underserved counties." This measure benefits woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which may soon be unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast''s competitors, such as Elon Musk''s Starlink. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5146House 20241x

Growing the Surveillance State by Requiring the DOT to Cooperate in Installing License Plate Readers in Florence County.

With DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to cooperate with the County of Florence "in facilitating the installation and use of automatic license plate readers at intersections of roadways maintained by the department anywhere in Florence County." This measure presents serious civil liberty concerns over the warrantless surveillance and tracking of individuals. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5164House 20241x

Improving Education Outcomes by Expanding the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program.

With DEMs
This bill modifies the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program, which allows students to receive scholarships which may be used by parents to pay for certain educational expenses for their child, such as tuition and fees to attend a private school. The bill increases the annual amount by the percentage increase of the State Aid to Classroom funding. The bill also amends the maximum number of students, from 15,000 in 2026-2027, to be based on "an annual budget request based on the number of current scholarship recipients and previously unmet demand for scholarships as evidenced by the prior year''s applications." Additionally, the bill eliminates the income threshold for eligibility beginning in 2026-2027 and establishes priority application windows for siblings of current recipients, children of military members, Medicaid recipients, and children in custody/guardianship of the Department of Social Services. Finally, the bill eliminates the requirement that student attended a public school the previous year and expands eligible schools to include charter schools. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
H 5164 (Amd. 8 Motion to Table)House 20241x

Allowing the Department of Education to Retain Additional Funds from the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program by Increasing Allocation for Administrative Costs from 2% to 5%.

Against DEMs
The motion tables (defeats) the Wetmore amendment #8 to a bill that modifies the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program, which provides scholarship funds for parents to use for their child''s education. The amendment restores language limiting the Department of Education to retaining 2% of funds for overseeing account and administration costs (the underlying bill increased this amount from 2% to 5%). Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
HB 5183House 20241x

Reducing Barriers to Employment for Medical Assistants and Alleviating Healthcare Staffing Shortages by Allowing Unlicensed Assistive Personnel to Perform a Greater Range of Tasks.

With DEMs
This bill allows physicians and physician assistants to delegate a greater range of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, such as "point of care testing and screening tests," and "performing nonclinical tasks via telemedicine." This regulatory reform helps reduce employment barriers for medical assistants, alleviate healthcare staffing shortages, and provide patients more timely and attentive care.
Nomination of James Smith for Circuit Judge (Motion to Recommit)House 20241x

Blocking the Confirmation of a Circuit Judge with a History of Supporting Government Policies Antithetical to Limited Government Principles.

With DEMs
This motion recommits (blocks) the nomination of James Smith for Circuit Judge back to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Former Rep. James Smith, the Democratic nominee for Governor in 2018, previously voiced support for Medicare for All, supported Medicaid expansion, and opposed offshore oil drilling. Former Rep. Smith''s record of policy positions make him unlikely to uphold limited government principles. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
S 1021 (House Version)House 20241x

Expanding Cronyism and Government Central Planning Through a New Tax Credit for Railroad Companies and Increasing the Maximum Annual Tax Credit for Expenses Under the "Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act".

Against DEMs
This bill increases the maximum annual amount of the tax credit under the Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act from $500,000 to $700,000 per site, per taxpayer. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax credit for Class II and III railroads equal to 50% of "gross expenditures for maintenance, reconstruction or replacement of railroad infrastructure," such as tracks and bridges, up to a maximum of $5,000 per mile of "track owned or leased within this State by the eligible taxpayer as of the close of the taxable year." This credit may be used for individual, corporate, and bank income taxes, as well as insurance premium taxes. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. James “Mike” Mikell Burns's voting record?

Rep. James “Mike” Mikell Burns (R-SC-17) earned a 63% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. James “Mike” Mikell Burns voted on 57 of the 61 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 2 years rated, James “Mike” Mikell Burns's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 71%, with 100 votes recorded across 108 scored bills. James “Mike” Mikell Burns represents the 17th District in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

How aligned is James “Mike” Mikell Burns with Democratic Party Platform principles?

James “Mike” Mikell Burns earned a 63% National Democrat Platform score in 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is James “Mike” Mikell Burns's Dem Platform score?

James “Mike” Mikell Burns has a 63% Dem Platform score for 2024. Across 2 years rated, James “Mike” Mikell Burns's lifetime average is 71%.

Where does James “Mike” Mikell Burns serve?

Rep. James “Mike” Mikell Burns (R-SC-17) represents the 17th District in the South Carolina House of Representatives as a Republican.

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