Here it is—the next (and fifth) installment of The State House Dispatch. There are lots of opportunities to get involved this week, including two chances to join us at the State House to stand up for the kids who would be harmed by the choices being made by grownups(?) in the General Assembly.
The Scary But Not Inevitable Future of Public Education
If you've attended any of our legislative events this year, you may remember that we promised to tell you when it's go time and that you're needed at the State House. Well, it's time. The two measures being considered by the General Assembly add up to a grim future for public education in SC. However, there's still time to tell lawmakers that this isn't what we want for our schools.
Classroom Censorship: This bill passed the House last month. If passed, this bill would censor teachers by banning discussions of race, gender, or elements of American history that contribute to present day inequities. This bill is now scheduled for a Senate subcommittee hearing, which is our opportunity to speak on record with lawmakers about the harms this bill will cause. When this bill went to the House subcommittee, you showed up with less than 24 hours' notice. We will be there again, and we need you there, too. RSVP to let us know you're coming and we will keep you updated on what you need to know prior to the hearing.
Senate Subcommittee on Education
March 15th at 9:00am
Gressette Building Room 308
RSVP Here
Public Aid for Private Ed:
This measure aims to revise the state constitution in order to allow for public funds to be sent to private and religious schools. These schools are able to deny enrollment to students based on factors like gender, religion, disability, and more. Meanwhile, despite the ongoing funding challenges for public schools, all students have a place there. Please tell your Senator that you want fully funded public schools in SC, and to vote no on this bill.
The Good News
The good news is that we have yet another chance to push lawmakers to take up some good bills. However, the deadline to get these moving is coming, so don't wait to take action.
Eviction Right to Counsel- This bill would provide legal representation for renters facing eviction who make less than 125% of the federal poverty line. If this bill becomes law, more than 18,000 people a year could avoid eviction, landlords could avoid costly collections processes, and the state could save money on housing support services. First order of business—telling our lawmakers to give Eviction Right to Counsel a hearing so we can make our case.
Ban the Box- In recent years, communities have enacted legislation that would prevent employers from asking about applicants' criminal records on job applications. The SC Senate could consider S.25, which would "ban the box" that asks about prior convictions on state job applications, reducing the likelihood that formerly incarcerated workers are rejected from the hiring process before having the opportunity to interview. This bill wouldn't do nearly enough to combat the discrimination formerly incarcerated individuals face in many aspects of life, but it's a really important stepping stone. In fact, Ban the Box campaigns in other states that have started with public sector employers like state or local governments were able to expand to include rental applications and private sector employers as well. Tell your Senators to consider S.25!