Columbia Hosts Upcoming Fall Tour to Address Children’s Futures in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C.: Join the Conversation About Kids’ Futures!

If you’re a South Carolinian with thoughts on how to improve the lives of children in the state, you’ve got an exciting opportunity coming up! The Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children, affectionately known as the Children’s Committee, is hitting the road for its annual fall tour and is eager to hear from you. Starting Tuesday, this bipartisan panel will be traveling around the state, gathering valuable feedback from community members.

Who’s Who on the Committee

The committee features a diverse mix of voices including six lawmakers—three from the House of Representatives and three from the Senate. Plus, it includes three appointed citizens and leaders from major state agencies like the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Education. With this variety of backgrounds, there’s sure to be a wide range of perspectives on crucial issues affecting South Carolina’s youth.

What’s on the Agenda?

“Help Not Harm Act”, which has changed the landscape of gender-affirming care in the state. As the law has stirred up significant conversations, a group of transgender South Carolinians has even pursued legal action. This is just one of the many pressing topics that will be tackled during the committee’s tour.

Senator Mike Reichenbach, a member of the committee, shared his insights from past hearings, noting how often he leaves with “sobering and startling” information. Each year, feedback from community members has led to real legislative changes, demonstrating the power of citizen input. Recent successes stemming from the committee’s work include improved adoption and fostering processes, stricter regulations on vaping, and even *paid family leave* for state employees and teachers.

Your Voice Matters

As the committee gears up for its fall schedule, it’s clear that every South Carolinian has a stake in these discussions. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or simply a concerned citizen, your voice can help shape the future for our kids. “No one in the state gets to say, ‘It’s not my problem,’” explained Reichenbach. “Because these broken young people grow up to be broken adults in many cases.” This is a challenge that ultimately affects us all.

Upcoming Hearing Schedule

The fall hearing schedule is structured to allow as many people as possible to come out and share their thoughts. Mark your calendars!

• Conway: Tuesday, September 10
• Columbia: Tuesday, September 17
• Spartanburg: Tuesday, September 24
• North Charleston: Thursday, October 3

You can sign up ahead of time to voice your concerns or suggestions by emailing childrenscommittee@sc.edu. Additionally, written testimonies can also be submitted this way. This is all in preparation for the next legislative session, kicking off in January.

Why It Matters

As Reichenbach poignantly put it, “We are going to need to address the issues of children, the unhealthy, broken children in our state.” The ongoing conversations are vital—not just to shine a spotlight on challenges but to begin rolling out solutions. The Children’s Committee knows that change doesn’t happen overnight, but by gathering and discussing information, they’re taking essential steps forward.

The committee invites you to be part of this critical dialogue. Your engagement can make a difference in the lives of South Carolina’s children, helping to pave the way for a brighter future for all.