Lawmakers across South Carolina are offering their condolences after the passing of former Governor and Senator Ernest ‘Fritz’ Hollings.
“By any measure Senator Hollings led one of the most incredible and consequential lives of any member of the Greatest Generation.” Said Senator Lindsey Graham in a statement. “With his passing, South Carolina has lost one of her greatest champions and most effective political leaders.” Hollings was one of the senior Senate members when Graham first took office. “As the junior senator from South Carolina, he welcomed me to the Senate and helped me get established. And until his dying day, Fritz Hollings was always advocating and urging for policies that would make our country strong.”
“I have been reflecting on the legacy of my friend Fritz Hollings in recent days as I studied the work he did on hunger and poverty. This year marks the 50thanniversary of his Hunger Tour, in which I was proud to play a small part.” Said Rep. James Clyburn looking back on his own interactions with Hollings. “In January 1969, Sister Mary Anthony and I accompanied Fritz on a tour of an impoverished area of Charleston so he could see the plight of families who had been ignored by the government for too long. The conditions Fritz saw in Charleston and around the state impacted him so deeply that he challenged this country to change the distribution of food stamps and initiate the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. His actions provided hope and healing in communities in desperate need.”
Governor Henry McMaster had this to say about his predecessor’s passing: “One of South Carolina’s greatest lions roars no more. Fierce, bold, and robust – the sounds of Fritz Hollings’ vision and drive for the Palmetto State will continue to be heard by generations. The greatness and success of this state has benefited from the hand of his leadership. Peggy and I are heartened at his reunion with Peatsy and offer our prayers and condolences to the family.”
