Investing in Education

Education is one of the most important issues facing the state of South Carolina, and the whole country. As a teacher for 50 years, I have taught people of all ages, and all walks of life: students in high school and college, and even men in our criminal justice system. I will fight to make education a priority for Congress.

In the 1960s, the U.S. led the world in graduating students from college. Now we are 19th. College must be made affordable and student debt must be restructured at a much lower rate. This can be done by a small tax on stocks, bonds, and currency transactions. The wealthy must pay their fair share in taxes. Tax subsidies and government waste need to be cut.

Limits on Head Start funding mean that only half the children eligible for Head Start can attend. It is time to fully fund Head Start, affordable child care, school lunches, after school programs, SNAP, summer jobs for teens, and other programs. A dollar spent on early childhood education yields about $7 in return. It’s economic common sense.  I will work to create a Children’s Bill of Rights—to guarantee food, healthcare, decent housing, good schools, and safe streets for all children.

Quality education needs to be affordable and accessible to all of South Carolina’s children. If you don't make that investment, you don't belong in government!