Myrtle Beach Residents Advocate for Children’s Rights and Welfare at Key Hearing

Myrtle Beach Residents Speak Up for Kids at Horry-Georgetown College

Hey Myrtle Beach! If you thought our town was just about sandy beaches and great seafood, think again. On September 10th, locals gathered at Horry-Georgetown Technical College for something pretty important – a public hearing hosted by the South Carolina Committee on Children. Yep, you heard that right! They wanted to hear from residents and non-profits about what we can do to improve the lives of children in the Palmetto State.

What’s All the Buzz About?

State Senator Brad Hutto, who chairs the committee, kicked off the hearing with a warm invitation: “We want to know what we can do to make better policies for the children of South Carolina.” And boy, did people respond! Over two dozen passionate speakers took the mic, addressing a range of topics that are knocking on our doors daily—school meals, book bans, gun violence, and transgender rights, to name just a few.

Let’s Talk School Meals and Book Bans

Ashlyn Preaux, a mom of three, passionately argued against the trend of book bans, saying, “They do more harm than good.” She’s got a point! Just because one parent is uncomfortable with a certain book doesn’t mean it should be taken away from all students. Let’s keep the options open!

Then there’s Davita Foushee, who wants all kids in South Carolina public schools to enjoy free breakfasts and lunches. “Kids who eat do better in school,” she emphasized. Isn’t that the truth? A good meal can do wonders for a kid’s focus and performance in the classroom!

Gun Safety Is Key

Next up was Chrissie Catlia from Moms Demand Action, who spoke about the need for safe gun storage laws. She called for better education about gun safety to ensure that our children are protected. After all, it takes a community to raise a child safely.

Pulling Kids Out of Poverty

Deborah DePaoli hit on something crucial when she suggested making the state’s earned income tax credit refundable, stating that it could “pull thousands of children out of poverty.” Now that’s a smart move! Everyone deserves a fair shot at a good life.

Housing Crisis Affecting Kids

The housing crisis was another hot topic, addressed by Matthew Butler from the ACLU of South Carolina. He highlighted how the terrible situation has led to housing instability affecting thousands of families and, of course, their children. We need to create homes that kids can thrive in!

Transgender Rights: A Personal Story

When it turned to transgender rights, emotions ran high. Several parents were vocal against the new law that bans gender-reassignment procedures for anyone under 18. Jim Arendt, a father of two transgender youths, shared his struggle of driving all the way to Virginia for necessary medical care. It’s eye-opening to hear firsthand how laws can impact families so deeply.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the voices heard at Horry-Georgetown Technical College on that day were filled with hope, concern, and the desire for change. Citizens stressed the need for factors like affordable childcare, support for single-parent households, and help for children with special needs. As a community, it’s so vital for us to come together, share our experiences, and advocate for the future of our kids.

With the South Carolina legislature gearing up to make some important decisions next year, it’s clear that the input from the community matters. Let’s keep the conversation going, Myrtle Beach! Together, we can shape a brighter future for our children.