Despite escalating cases of child abuse and neglect cases (over 14,000 last year) the SC legislature is underfunding the agencies that support victims & investigate reports of abuse. Because the centers aren't a state agency, they have been excluded from mandatory funding.
1,182 home schoolers in SC are getting vouchers from the education dept, because the legislature left a loophole in the bill, permitting the students to receive $7,500 in vouchers even though they aren't attending public schools.
#scschoolvouchers#schomeschoolvouchers
A Summerville business owner has been arrested for expressing support for teens planning a school walk out protesting ICE. A school resource officer instigated the charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Pickens Co Library Board is enacting stricter guidelines for materials available to children & young adults. Critics say the policies will burden staff & lead to censorship.
#pickenscolibrary
Democrats & breakaway Republicans banded together to block a partial & total ban on THC and Hemp products in SC. The making and selling of THC products has become a $1.5 billion business in SC, employing 3,500 people. Both bills have been sent back to committee.
#scthcban
The SC Republican super majority is going after transgender people, a tiny (0.08%) part of our population. The process of modifying your birth certificate is already arduous & expensive, the GOP wants to make it impossible.
#sctransgender
Several hundred people marched through the heart of Columbia to mark MLK Day yesterday.
Sen Cory Booker was among the speakers, he urged the crowd to "redeem the dream" outlined by Dr. King in 1963.
#mlkday
New legislative session, same old focus. On the 2nd day of the session, a bill to criminalize women seeking abortions was debated & tabled in committee, while a bill to restrict access to mail order abortion drugs is still in play.
#bansoffourbodies#scabortionban
The number of suicides in Anderson County surged in 2024, the causes include economic struggles, access to firearms and few mental health resources. Rural counties in SC all saw significant increases in suicides.
#scsuiciderate
Some of the critical factors that need to be improved according to the survey are, affordable childcare, better access to healthcare and expanded public transportation. None of these are priorities for the Republican super majority.
#scwallethub
An annual sandwich making event took on special significance in light of the stoppage of SNAP benefits due to the govt shutdown. 180 volunteers gathered this week to make 8,000 sandwiches for schools, shelters & food banks.
For the first time in SNAP's 60-year history, safety net money meant to fund the program in an emergency, is being denied by the Trump administration. Despite a court order to use the money to pay benefits, Trump has refused to fund the program, saying too many people qualify.
Democrats retain their Democratic majority on Greenville City Council with the election of Tina Belge and the re-election of Lillian Brock Fleming. Congratulations to all the Democrats who won their races yesterday! Thanks to all who voted early and on election day.
It's election day, polls open at 7AM and close at 7PM. Tina Belge & Lillian Brock Fleming are the Democratic candidates for City Council. If you need a ride to the polls call 864-232-5531. Our thanks to all the poll workers and watchers.
#election2025
An affordable housing project, years in the making is coming to the San Souci Community. 6 rental units and 5 rent to own houses are part of the development.
#greenvilleaffordablehousing
A second Democrat has announced his candidacy for Governor of South Carolina. Rep. Jermaine Johnson pledged to unite the state and shine a light on overlooked rural areas.
#jermainejohnson