FLORENCE - Sen. Jim De-Mint, R-S.C., was in the Pee Dee on Wednesday to get a better feel for the region’s economic pulse while also discussing the impact of national issues with area health and business officials.

His first stop was Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, where he was given a tour of the medical facility with emphasis on the hospital’s aggressive-care cardiac unit and emergency department. He also met with Carolinas’ staff to answer some of their questions regarding health care.

“Health care is a big job creator here,” he said. “I’m very interested in the Pee Dee, and we’re going to work on things that will help build the economy and create jobs. We’re also looking at various infrastructure needs to attract new businesses.”

DeMint also said Carolinas is an important component within the Pee Dee’s health care hub.

“You have two of the finest hospitals in the state right here within a few miles of each other,” he said. “This is a great thing for quality of life, but we need to make sure that the funding provided through Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance is available to keep facilities like this here.”

That was a concern also voiced by Carolinas president and CEO Jim O’Loughlin. “I think the fact that the senator took the time to come here and talk about health care issues reflects his concern and focus on health care in the United States,” he said. “Even in South Carolina, we have significant issues regarding the uninsured and a number of folks are on Medicaid.”

Later in the morning, DeMint and his entourage arrived at the General Electric Medical Systems facility in Florence. He and Al Frink, U.S. Department of Commerce assistant secretary for manufacturing and services, met with Florence area business leaders to discuss ideas for strengthening American manufacturing.

DeMint also was honored with the Manufacturing Legislative Achievement Award by the National Association of Manufacturers.

“If we want to have the best jobs in the world, we have to become the best place in the world to do business,” he said. “We must reform our complicated tax code, eliminate junk lawsuits and reduce wasteful regulations that make it impossible for our businesses to compete.”

DeMint said there also must be greater emphasis on enforcing domestic trade laws so countries such as China are forced to play by the rules.

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