Campsen: S.C. ‘Future Scholar’ college savings plan earns best-in-class
Filed Under Top News, Campsen | Leave a Comment
A good education gives our children a better chance to succeed in today’s competitive global economy. The state of South Carolina has gotten it right when it comes to helping families save for college.Let’s face it, the government has never really been a model of efficiency, nor a place to look for new and innovative ideas. Well, we would like to tout a very nice exception to that trend: South Carolina’s 529 college savings program.
Leatherman Praised For Work With Public Education Funding
Filed Under Caucus, Leatherman | Leave a Comment
As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I take great pride in carefully reviewing each and every item that comes before the Senate for state funding. One thing that I believe in very strongly is public education. Public education is so very important because it helps to build a strong foundation for the future.
One of my Senate colleagues, Senator John Courson, who is chairman of the Senate Education Committee, recently wrote an article which appeared in The State newspaper, touting the successes of public education in this year’s state budget.
The State Newspaper
August 22, 2007
Written by: Sen. John Courson
“. Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman was a tremendous advocate in the Senate’s successful effort to put education and taxpayers first. That funding - $3.3 billion - represents a wise investment in the lives of our future leaders, paying for a number of important new and expanded programs that will positively affect K-12.
Among them:. A 15-year school bus replacement cycle was adopted, along with the initial purchase of 551 new school buses.
. Every public elementary school will now be able to afford a school nurse.
. Teacher salaries will continue to be, on average, $300 above the Southeastern average, and the highly successful National Board Certified Teacher Program was fully funded.
. The Education Economic Development Act’s model dropout prevention programs will be expanded, with additional high school guidance specialists hired.
. Early childhood education was funded through the 4K Child Development Education Pilot Program and the First Steps to School Readiness program.
. The Education Finance Act was substantially increased, and the Education Improvement Act funding was increased for summer school, technical assistance and student assessment.
. The S.C. Virtual School Program was established after a successful pilot program and will receive funding for teachers, staff, curriculum development, course materials and technology.
The Palmetto State’s 33 public colleges and universities are receiving substantial state funding and scholarship appropriations, as well. This mitigates the need for massive tuition increases . Funding for the Allied Health Initiative will help address our nursing and health care shortages . Scholarship funding was increased dramatically, which demonstrates the success of our plan to encourage our best and brightest to choose in-state institutions of higher learning . We also enhanced the monetary value of scholarships for students majoring in science, math, engineering and health care.”
Once again, if I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours very truly,
Hugh K. Leatherman
South Carolina Senator
District 31, Florence and Darlington Counties
Courson: SC investing in schools
Filed Under Caucus, Top News, Courson | Leave a Comment
The University of South Carolina just bestowed upon Sen. John Land and me honorary doctor of law degrees. We were pleased our alma mater recognized our strong support of education, and pleased even more by what these honors given to a leading Republican and a leading Democrat demonstrate: The S.C. Senate is committed to a bipartisan effort of providing the best possible education for our citizenry.
This year we passed what I call “The Education Budget” — the largest single appropriation for K-12 and higher education in South Carolina’s history. This remarkable feat was accomplished without a general tax increase and with almost 10 percent of the total budget returned to taxpayers in tax relief. Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman was a tremendous advocate in the Senate’s successful effort to put education and taxpayers first.
Senate Bill Works To Provide Affordable Healthcare
Filed Under Top News, Leatherman | Leave a Comment
Small businesses play a large role in our state’s employment and economy. We as a state are very fortunate to have such great businesses producing sought after goods and skilled workers.
One thing that I have constantly heard from small business owners is their inability to purchase quality and affordable healthcare. This year, the Senate looked into various options to allow small businesses an opportunity to participate in an affordable healthcare plan. With Senate bill 588, small businesses are allowed to join together with other small businesses and form “health group cooperatives.” These cooperatives will in turn allow many small businesses to purchase healthcare at the prices large corporations currently enjoy.
This bill passed the Senate and now currently awaits action in the House of Representatives. It is my hope that the House will see the need to vote for this bill so it may become law.
Once again, if I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours very truly,
Hugh K. Leatherman
South Carolina Senator
District 31, Florence and Darlington Counties
