Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

24 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.VOICEforMP.com important that Democrats and Republicans work together to pass bipartisan legislation that provides state and local aid, so that our municipalities are not forced to make budget cuts that impact public safety.” More veterans live in the Lowcountry than in any other area of the Palmetto State, a subject that strikes a chord with both candidates. Many members of Mace’s family are either active duty or retired from the military, including her dad, so she is eager to help them “navigate the bureaucracy of the federal government to ensure they are protected and receive the best care.” Cunningham, who serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, finds the role particularly rewarding. “It has been my favorite part of being in Congress because it has given me the opportunity to give back to our veterans,” he said. He also mentioned the Tele-Hearing Modernization Act as much-needed legislation. When it comes to health care, each candidate holds strong opinions. Cunningham voted for the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower prices for all Americans. The Act includes an amendment to ensure the same savings within the VA health system. Meanwhile, as a state lawmaker, Mace has led the effort to “repeal burdensome and inadequate health care regulations across the state” that she feels hinder “our ability to respond faster and better.” Given the current pandemic situation, Cunningham supports the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which recently passed in the House. “We need to ensure that every South Carolinian has the option to vote safely by mail,” explained Cunningham, urging his colleagues in the Senate to hold a vote as soon as possible. Both he and Mace have had COVID-19. While in-person events are not an option, both candidates are nevertheless eager to hear from constituents. Cunningham has been holding telephone town hall meetings, virtual roundtable discussions with small business owners and listening sessions with essential workers, faith leaders and teachers. He also urged supporters to tune into his Facebook Live Brewery Tour. Likewise, Mace is making good use of Zoom calls and Facebook Live, and, when possible, in-person opportunities for a few people at a time — following mask-wearing and social distancing protocol. She noted that she is happy to debate Cunningham “any time, any place.” The issues are complex, as always, but both candidates seem to have the Lowcountry’s best interests at heart as they head into the final stretch of this election. feature THE ONLY SLEEPER SOFA YOU CAN SLEEP ON