All Issues
Hate Crimes Act
Living Wage
Neighborhood Protection
Constituent Services
Justice & Safety
South Carolina is one of only two states without a state hate crime law. It’s time to stop turning a deaf ear to victims and stand up for justice.
Following the 2015 Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre, Representative Gilliard became the lead House sponsor of the Senator Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act to close South Carolina’s accountability gap.
Sentencing Enhancements: Clear state-level penalty enhancements for violent, bias-motivated crimes.
Faster Justice: Gives local law enforcement and state prosecutors a direct path to accountability.
Mandatory Tracking: Requires all 46 counties to report hate crimes and identify rising hotspots.
Economic Dignity
Raising the minimum wage isn’t just moral—it’s smart economics. Putting money in working people’s pockets drives our local economy and raises people out of poverty.
For over 15 years as President of USW Local 863, Representative Gilliard fought on plant floors and at bargaining tables for fair pay, safe conditions, and health benefits.
Raising the Floor: Championing state legislation to establish a $17/hr living wage in South Carolina.
Worker's Rights: Fighting to advanced organized labor in SC; Equal Pay For Women; Safety & Dignity in the Workplace.
Second Chances: Supporting re-entry programs, fair hiring, and financial literacy for returning citizens.
Housing Rights
Growth shouldn’t push out the people who built these communities. We need development that lifts people up, not replaces them.
As Charleston and North Charleston grow, historic Black and working-class neighborhoods face extreme tax hikes, predatory development, and displacement pressure.
Tax & Housing Relief: Pushing for historic easement for urban & rural Gullah lands and senior homestead protections.
Affordable Housing Mandates: Requiring true affordable and workforce housing in new projects by providing State incentives to Cities & Counties.
Port Accountability: Addressing noise, air pollution, and traffic impacts & the creation of Economic Development program for impacted neighborhoods
Community Impact
Navigating state agencies shouldn’t feel impossible. Our office is your direct line to Columbia for real results.
Raised on the Eastside, Representative Gilliard’s service is rooted in direct action for District 111 families and the motto “We the People: Stronger Together.”
Project Cool Breeze: Emergency air conditioners and fans for seniors and vulnerable families.
Direct Agency Assistance: Help with taxes, Medicaid, utility assistance, and veteran benefits.
Pioneering Public Safety: Body camera legislation, gun violence prevention, and practical criminal justice reform empathizing 2nd Chances.
Legislative Snapshot / Bill Tracker
Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act
Lead House sponsorship to create state accountability for violent, bias-motivated crimes.
$17 Living Wage
Replacing outdated wage floors with pay that reflects modern rent, food, and family costs.
Constituent Services & Project Cool Breeze
Direct agency help and emergency heat relief for seniors, families, and vulnerable residents.