ROCK HILL, SC – Representative John King (D-York) made the following statement in response to Governor McMaster’s order prohibiting race-based spending quotas for state agencies:
"Today I am calling out Governor Henry McMaster, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and Speaker Murrell Smith for their reckless and revealing attempt to halt race-based spending quotas and set-aside programs across our state agencies.
Governor McMaster’s order does not “promote fairness.” Instead, it exposes the ugly truth: they are preparing to make this next legislative session a fight about race – because they have nothing else to offer.
Black South Carolinians make up more than 25% of our state, yet these quotas required just 10% of government spending to go to minority-owned businesses. Removing set-asides and contracting protections isn’t about equality. It’s about shutting the door to opportunity and gutting the pathways minority-owned businesses finally had to compete for generational wealth.
For decades, marginalized communities in this state were locked out – intentionally – from economic opportunity. Set-aside programs were one of the few tools ensuring that Black contractors, minority-owned businesses, and underserved communities could compete on something even close to a level playing field. Taking these protections away tells us exactly who this Governor and his legislative allies are fighting for – and who they’re fighting against.
I will not stand by while the Governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House weaponize their power to drag us backward.
If they make this legislative session about attacking opportunity for all South Carolinians, they will be met head-on. We will not be silent. We will not be complicit. And we will not allow the people of this state to be erased or ignored."