A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE Michael Leach UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS Five YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Michael Leach upon the occasion of his retirement from the South Carolina Department of Social Services on January 2, 2025; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Leach was nominated by Governor Henry McMaster in March 2019 and oversaw the Department of Social Services during some of the State's most challenging times in recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic and many natural disasters; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Leach made significant progress for the vulnerable children and families of South Carolina. He led major legislative reforms, including a bill to provide additional support for kinship caregivers in 2022 and additional legislation to establish the State's kinship guardianship program in 2023. Under Mr. Leach's administration, the State saw a significant reduction in the number of youths in foster care, increased kinship placements, and reduction in the use of congregate care; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Leach also made significant operational improvements during his tenure, including decreasing staff turnover to under ten percent, one of the lowest rates in the nation for a child welfare system, and modernizing technology to make the agency more efficient and transparent; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Mr. Leach has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Michael Leach upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his five years of dedicated service, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Leach.

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