POLICY POSITIONS
Clay is best described as a constitutional conservative with an increased emphasis on community preservation. Below is a list of key policy positions held by Clay. Those with additional questions are encouraged to reach out through the Contact Us page.
10TH AMENDMENT
Our federal government was intentionally designed to have specific, limited powers with the remaining powers reserved by the states and the people. Governments closer to the people better serve their needs and our founders recognized this. South Carolina must lead the way in pushing back on federal overreach. The federal government will never give up power willingly.
JUDICIAL REFORM
We deserve the right to live unbothered in a civilized society. Being victimized by repeat offenders is evidence of a failed system. Perpetual criminals commit the majority of crimes and should be locked away for significant periods of time. Those who commit an additional crime while out on bail should receive a minimum of a 10 year sentence on top of their other charges. ​At the same time, we must recognize the opportunity for those to change. Additional effort and funds should be applied to education and job training opportunities for our inmate population. Anyone wanting to better themselves should be given that opportunity but those who do not can stay in prison so as not to disturb the peace.
2ND AMENDMENT
The 2nd Amendment is our insurance policy. It provides an opportunity for us to defend ourselves against those who would do us harm but most importantly, it serves as a hedge against a tyrannical government. South Carolina should continue passing pro 2nd Amendment legislation including statues to punish federal agents who may violate our citizens' rights.
RESTAURANT/VENUE CRISIS
South Carolina restaurants and music venues are in a dire condition because of exploding liquor liability insurance premiums. Excluding rare exceptions, it is not the fault of the establishment that a patron may drive drunk any more so than it is the fault of a grocery store who sells the same alcoholic beverages. The state legislature should act quickly with tort reform to limit the liability held by restaurants and venues before we lose more jobs.
PRO-LIFE
Abortion is morally wrong. Our state legislature should continue passing legislatuion to protect the lives of the unborn. ​In that same spirit, South Carolina should reduce cost barriers to adoption and make it easier for strong, willing families to be able to adopt. Cost and unnecessary red tape should never be a barrier that prevents adoption.
INCOME TAX
Taxation is a necessary evil we live with, but there are ways to improve our system. Taxation should be consumption based vs income based. State income tax is paid nearly exclusively by South Carolinian's where consumption taxes are subsidized by out-of-state visitors. Additionally, consumption based taxes more accurately reflect the usage of the services that they go towards. South Carolina should join the ranks of states who have eliminated their state income tax. Our citizens deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money.
PROPERTY TAX
Property should not be taxed. A citizen with a paid-off home should not fear losing their home or be forced to sell to keep up with a property tax. Admittedly, there is no short term fix to remove property taxes. However, we can make them more fair. Increasing property values should not serve as a reason to increase the tax burden on a citizen. The inflation factor rollback should be eliminated to help correct this issue.​
EDUCATION
We are stuck in a 20th century mindset when it comes to education. A 4 year degree is worth far less than in decades past and a high school diploma is virtually worthless. Legislation alone will not fix all of these issues, but we should offer far more career specific classes to high school students so those who wish can obtain a job immediately upon graduation. This can be especially valuable for the trades. Additionally, our curriculum should increase its focus on our nation's founding and American exceptionalism.
CONSERVATION
Our state is one of the most beautiful in the nation. We have experienced too much growth far too quickly. The state legislature must be especially vigilant to enact legislation that preserves our environment for generations to come. This is especially dear to my heart as an avid fishermen, hunter, and farmer.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
The vast majority of Americans oppose the biannual changing of the clocks. Congress clearly can't get their act together so South Carolina should freeze the clock change and do what our citizens desire. Other states are welcome to join but waiting has gotten us nowhere.
CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS
Too many of our representatives in Washington are engrained within a corrupt system that spends significantly more money than it brings in. South Carolina should join other states who have passed legislation calling for Congressional term limits under Article 5 of the US Constitution. Perhaps as important, federal beuracracy should be significantly reduced in size and scope to prevent a power shift in that direction.
CLOSED PRIMARIES
Republicans should elect Republicans and Democrats should elect Democrats. The citizens should then have the opportunity to choose between the two, or a third party, in a fair general election. South Carolina should adopt registration by party to preserve the integrity of our primary process.
