Text of SC Gov. Henry McMasters State of the State Speech

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina Gov. Henry McMasters State of the State remarks as prepared for delivery on Wednesday:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, my fellow South Carolinians. We are here tonight to address challenges and opportunities.

But first, as in prior years, Id like to recognize those in uniform whom we lost in the line of duty in 2022.

Officer Roy Andrew Barr of the Cayce Police Department

Deputy Austin Derek Aldridge of the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office

Corporal Sara K. Weaver of Florence County Emergency Medical Services, and

Master Police Officer Tyrell Owens-Riley of the Columbia Police Department.

To the families and loved ones of these brave South Carolinians, with all our hearts, we offer our condolences. We are eternally grateful for their service.

I am delighted to have with us once again tonight our First Lady, my bride Peggy, our son Henry Jr., whose wife Virginia is home with their three month old daughter, Margot Gray. Also, our daughter Mary Rogers, whose husband Sam is home with their six month old son, James Dargan. Please stand and be recognized.