Joel Lourie

Joel Lourie (born September 24, 1962) is a former Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 22nd District from 2004 until 2017. He was previously a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1998 through 2004.

Biography

Joel Lourie was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a 1980 graduate of Richland Northeast High School and a 1984 graduate of the University of South Carolina. His parents are the late Senator Isadore Lourie and Susan (Reiner) Lourie. He is married to Rebecca Baum, and has 2 children, Rachel and Sam. Lourie is Jewish.

In 2021, Lourie and former Democratic Senator Vincent Sheheen started a new podcast on South Carolina politics, Bourbon in the Backroom.

Awards 2009 Champion of Health Care Award 2007 Star of Justice Award - Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. 2006 Humane Society State Legislator Award 2006 Seat Belt Champion Award from the Meharry-State Farm Alliance 2006 State Safety Leadership Award from the National Transportation Safety Board 2004 Legislative Award from the South Carolina Counseling Association 2004 Advocate Award from the South Carolina School Improvement Council 2002 Advocate Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 2004 and 2006 Legislative Appreciation Awards from South Carolina Victims Assistance Network 2003 Legislator of the Year Award for the National Association of Social Workers 2000 Alliance for South Carolina's Child Advocacy Leadership Award 2000 Senior Advocacy Award from Senior Resources 2000 South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Legislator of the Year Award 2000 Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Association of Non-Profit Organizations 2010 Commitment Award from the National Safety Council Alive At 25 Program 2011 Legislator of the Year from the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association 2011 Recognition Award from the March of Dimes