Debate continues after suit filed over controversial Education Scholarship Trust Fund | Opinion

Trust families with funds

On Oct. 26, the South Carolina Education Association filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund.

Signed into law earlier this year, this program awards eligible low-income families $6,000 per student and empowers them to direct those funds to educational expenses, including textbooks, tutoring, therapies and tuition, at schools that best meet their child’s needs.

The lawsuit explicitly references the state’s “already underperforming public school system.”

And that’s the point.

For generations, most families’ only option has been to send their children to their zoned public school. If that school is not meeting your child’s needs, too bad.

This program empowers families with educational options that their children deserve, and demonstrates that we trust South Carolinian families to make decisions about their children’s education.

These programs are popular: a recent poll revealed that 72% of parents of K-12 students support Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) like this one. And nearly two-thirds of those families believe these programs will improve our nation’s education.

It’s time to move on from tired debates that defend the education of the past while depriving families of options.

The Education Scholarship Trust Fund gives families a say in how – and where – their child is educated.

Andrew Yates, Spartanburg

Public money for private schools?

According to U.S. News & World Report, South Carolina Ranks 42nd nationally in public education.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I would think the “will of the people” is that our legislators take better care of their responsibility to educate our 750,000 schoolchildren before they start siphoning off money for private schools.

Harry Spratlin, Columbia

Gerrymandering power

The U.S. Supreme Court is now hearing a case on the gerrymandering of our state’s congressional districts.

The plaintiffs charge that the 1st Congressional District was redrawn along racial lines to reduce the power of black voters.

The gist of the state’s defense is that the lines were drawn to preserve political power and only coincidentally involved race.

Somehow, our politicians think that is okay. Only our politicians think that is okay.

The present chaos in the U.S. House of Representatives is caused by extremist politicians with too much power.

These people can only get elected in gerrymandered districts where the only real challenge would be in a primary. In such a system, only the extremists get elected; and those extremists could only get elected in such a system.

Our system is broken and it will only be fixed by the politicians who broke it.

Those people are now on the Supreme Court to protect their right to corrupt our system.

Fixing it will take politicians who put principles over power, but we seldom elect those people.

If we wonder why our democracy is failing, then we need not look further.

Luther Hendrix, Camden

Inflation’s impact

Inflation has been on the rise, and it is affecting the prices of essential goods and services. From groceries to fuel, the cost of living is increasing at an alarming rate.

This has put a significant strain on individuals and families, making it harder to make ends meet. The consequences of inflation are far-reaching, and not limited to rising prices alone.

Inflation can erode savings, reduce the purchasing power of our money and create economic uncertainty.

Small businesses also face challenges due to rising costs.

As responsible citizens, it’s crucial that we remain informed about inflation and its implications. It’s equally important that we encourage policymakers to take measures to mitigate its effect and ensure economic stability.

I urge you to consider the impact of inflation on our community and support policies that promote price stability and sustainable economic growth.

Together, we can address the challenges posed by inflation and work toward a more secure and prosperous future.

Anthony Green, West Columbia

Prioritize roads

What is your opinion on South Carolina road quality?

I think the roads need to be smoother because sometimes while driving, I feel like my car is about to fall apart.

There are so many potholes, bumps and dangerous curves.

It’s very unpleasant for my car and me.

Imagine you are running late and are trying to speed to get there on time, well you can’t or your car is going to flip.

In South Carolina, there are 20 accident-related deaths per 100,000 people, almost double the national rate.

The drivers are partially at fault, but also the road conditions.

I feel that if the road conditions were improved, South Carolina would have fewer accidents.

Belle O’Neal, West Columbia