A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Senator Nikki G. Setzler for being the longest-serving state senator in South Carolina history and for his exemplary record of service to the people and the State of South Carolina, and to authorize the commissioning of a portrait of Senator Setzler to be placed in the Senate chamber.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize their colleague, Senator Nikki G. Setzler, for being the longest-serving state senator in South Carolina history; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler was born in Asheville, North Carolina to Verna Parker Setzler and Harry Earl Setzler. He graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1963, from the University of South Carolina in 1968, and from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1971. He began his legal career as an associate with Attorney Harry M. Lightsey, Jr. before opening his own law office in 1973, where he continues to practice today as the West Columbia firm of Setzler and Scott; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler's interest in politics originated during his initial State House work as a page. He began his tenure as a member of the South Carolina Senate in 1976 when he was elected to a multimember district that included Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, and Lexington counties. Today, he represents Senate District 26, a single-member district that includes parts of Lexington, Aiken, Calhoun, and Saluda counties; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler served as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee from 1988 to 2000. He served eight years at the helm of the Senate Democratic Caucus as Minority Leader; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler's passion for the legislative process and bipartisan consensus-building has led to reformative legislation, including the Education Improvement Act, four-year-old kindergarten, improvement of the fiduciary health and governance of the South Carolina Retirement System, restructuring of the Department of Transportation Commission and funding for road and infrastructure improvement, increasing of teacher salaries, and reducing of standardized testing pressure on teachers and students. He committed more than two years to fight for accountability from SCANA and Santee Cooper after the V.C. Summer nuclear project abandonment; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler, a true statesman, learned his craft from historical legislative figures with whom he served, including The Honorable Sol Blatt, The Honorable Marion Gressette, and many others. In totality, more than one hundred forty two individuals have been elected senator during his forty-seven years in the chamber; and

Whereas, over the years, Senator Setzler has received a number of honors and awards. He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of South Carolina in 2008 and an Honorary Doctor of Education from Columbia College in 1997. As a civic leader, Senator Setzler has served in many community organizations, including the West Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Cayce West Columbia Lions Club, and the Lexington County Development Corporation, as a member of the Security Federal Bank Advisory Board and the YMCA Advisory Board ; and

Whereas, on March 2, 2024, Senator Setzler surpassed South Carolina Senator L. Marion Gressette as the longest-serving senator in State history; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler is married to his college sweetheart, Ada Jane Taylor, and together, they have four daughters and nine beloved grandchildren; and

Whereas, Senator Setzler's dedication to public service sets an example for his constituents and his state. The members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the commitment that Senator Setzler 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, recognize and honor Senator Nikki G. Setzler for being the longest-serving state senator in South Carolina history and for his exemplary record of service to the people and the State of South Carolina, and authorize the commissioning of a portrait of Senator Setzler to be placed in the Senate chamber.

Be it further resolved that a portrait committee of seven members of the Senate be appointed by the President of the Senate. The senior member of the committee shall serve as its chairman. The committee shall handle the arrangements and details of the hanging of a portrait and an appropriate ceremony to commemorate the unveiling and dedication of the portrait.

Be it further resolved that the Clerk of the Senate shall provide such assistance and services as the committee shall direct.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Senator Nikki G. Setzler.

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