America
Statement From Gov. Nikki Haley
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today issued the following statement:
"Six
years ago, South Carolinians bestowed upon me the greatest honor of my
life. They took a chance on a little-known, 38-year old, minority,
female governor – something our state had never
done before. I will be forever grateful, and I expect I will never
again receive a higher honor.
"In the six years that followed, our state has reached incredible
heights. We made South Carolina's economic development the envy of the
nation and brought new jobs to every county. We cut our unemployment
rate by more than half, employing more South Carolinians
than ever before. We reformed how we fund education, moving more
resources to communities in greatest need. We passed landmark ethics
reforms that make state government more accountable to our people.
"Our state has also persevered through some of the most difficult times.
Nature damaged many of us with the thousand-year flood and Hurricane
Matthew. Our hearts were broken for those we lost when tragedy struck
Walter Scott's family, Mother Emanuel, and Townville
Elementary School. Yet through it all, the greatness of our people
overcame those tragedies, even coming together to heal the old wounds
represented by the Confederate Flag on the Statehouse grounds.
"This month’s elections have brought exciting changes to America. Our
country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally. Last
week, President-elect Trump asked if I would meet with him to discuss
those challenges, which I was happy to do. He
has asked that I serve our country as our next Ambassador to the United
Nations. Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, I have agreed.
"I always expected to finish the remaining two years of my second term
as governor. Not doing so is difficult because I love serving South
Carolina more than anything. I was moved to accept this new assignment
for two reasons. The first is a sense of duty.
When the President believes you have a major contribution to make to
the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world,
that is a calling that is important to heed. The second is a
satisfaction with all that we have achieved in our state
in the last six years and the knowledge that we are on a very strong
footing.
"I will remain as governor until the U.S. Senate acts affirmatively on my nomination. We still have much to do in South Carolina, and my commitment to the people of our state will always remain unbreakable, both while I continue to hold this office, and thereafter.
“In this holiday season, we all have much to be thankful for. Michael and I wish every South Carolinian a joyous Thanksgiving.â€