Education
SC First Steps … Fiscal “Accountability” … and Freedom?
Watch What They DO, Not What They SAY!?
Here are a couple of “red flags” that got us to take a look at the 2023 H4023, (HERE & HERE) the First Steps Fiscal Accountability Bill signed into law yesterday by Governor McMaster … and boy were we shocked with what we found!!!
- Not a single legislator voted against this bill – ever – and this program is a “darling” of the Democrats (similar to Head Start on the Federal level)!!!
- The bill was introduced and signed into law in less than 4 months. Advocates should take notice!
- The bill was passed outside of the regular session … in this case last Wednesday when the legislature was back to finish the budget.
- The lead sponsor was a SC Freedom Caucus member, with other members signing on, but the #2 sponsor (obviously pulling the strings) was a huge education establishment RINO (who pushes more government control over education). #COVER
- The bill had a well meaning name … “Fiscal Accountability” … which should have been our first clue it had nothing to do with fiscal accountability!!! #COVER
- THEY WON’T ANSWER QUESTIONS: And finally, when we reached out to the lead sponsor, and two other legislators who are either employed by or have ties to the educational services industry, to simply ask these questions in advance … we got no answer. If nothing is wrong, why not explain it to us? Because, something is wrong!!!
Well, with those huge red flags, we dug a little deeper … and it is worse than expected … but this is how it works when you #FollowTheMoney … not to mention knowing how the “Uniparty” works there in Columbia!!!
#1) OVERHEAD ADMINISTRATIVE FEES: This is a darling program for SC Democrats … and they seem to always get what they want. We know a few leaders in SC First Steps as well, and they always seem to swing way left. We are all about helping kids … but we are not about enabling the leftists agenda.
But guess what … South Carolina is now going to get more leftists employed (AND PAID BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS) as this “Fiscal Accountability” Bill actually increases the First Steps overhead administrative fee from 8% to 13% … a whopping 62.5% increase!!!
Seriously? Our SC State Treasurer Curtis Loftis talks about it all the time, how we as SC taxpayers are funding the left’s agenda. Sure, everyone wants to help kids … but aren’t there conservative initiatives we can fund that help kids … or is it only left leaning non-profits (and political allies) they like to fund? #FollowTheMoney!!!
Actually Taking Money from the Children: And what is worse … with First Steps being an approximate $50 MILLION program, legislators just reallocated (as there was $0 fiscal revenue impact to this bill) $2.5 million a year FROM THE KIDS to pay more employees / overhead expenses. They did not add more money to this legislation to cover the 62.5% increase in overhead costs … so it has to come from the children’s programs!!!
NO, it is not about the kids to these people … otherwise they would have funded the increased overhead. But, if they did that, the bill would have had to get “finance” approval, which is harder … so they just take the money from the kids and will likely ask for more money next year with the excuse that they had to cut children’s programs this year. Yep, #LearnTheirTricks.
#2) ADDING PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYEES: This one is self explanatory.
One day our “conservative” SC State Legislators are supposedly helping us in fighting the Public Library indoctrination issues … and the next they are putting the same employees on the boards of Pre-K Reading Programs?
What are the real intentions here? Remember, not a single legislator EVER voted against it. What are we missing?
“Watch what they DO,
not what they SAY.”
#3) GOV’T DATA-SHARING INITIATIVES … FOR OUR KIDS DATA!!!: This was also a big issue years ago with our champion “conservative” legislators fighting the government data-sharing about our kids … and today they are requiring it?
“Section 63-11-1726. All publicly funded early childhood-serving agencies and entities shall participate in data-sharing initiatives supported by the advisory council in furtherance of the requirements listed in Section 63-11-1725.”
#4) REMOVING “COMPETITIVE BIDS”?: Finally for today, as there are many other “issues” in this legislation … but guess what … our conservative legislators removed that pesky language involving “competitive bids” and substituted it with a move to the “maze” of the Office of State Procurement where there is much more legislative control in doing what they want to do when it comes to “who” gets contracts, and at what price.
We are betting there is NO PROHIBITION on self-dealing / profit making by legislators added to this bill!!! If there is, let us know where to find it.
#LearnTheirTricks #FollowTheMoney
Two hundred thirty-nine (239) years ago today, delegates gathered in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, creating the framework of government that continues to guide our nation nearly two and a half centuries later.
Constitution Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable document that established the separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the protections of individual liberty that Americans enjoy today.
As we observe Constitution Day 2026, take a few moments to read the Constitution (HERE), revisit the Bill of Rights (HERE), and remember the vision of those who sought to secure the blessings of liberty for future generations.
Happy Constitution Day—and may we never take for granted the freedoms protected by our nation’s founding charter.
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Business
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition – September 11th, 2026
JOIN US every Friday (11am-1pm)
Coffee & Politics – September 11th, 2026 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)
Friends, we have been running a weekly Coffee & Politics Meeting out of our Greenville Headquarters for nearly 5 years now … and it has been a huge hit. It is how we communicate our vision and #Mission to or local Volunteers and Community … and it one way we RECRUIT more people to the MAGA America First movement.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition (September 11th, 2026) Highlights
Thank you for joining us for this special September 11th edition of Coffee & Politics Greenville. This week’s discussion reflected on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, remembered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, explored South Carolina political developments, school choice, economic policy, and the importance of conservative unity heading into the November election.
Key Topics & Timestamps
0:00 – Opening, Yom Teruah & Prayer: The program opens with a discussion of Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), the blowing of the shofar, and a prayer for America, South Carolina, and the Greenville community.
2:40 – Remembering Charlie Kirk & September 11th: The panel observes a moment of silence marking the first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and reflects on the impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Participants share personal memories of where they were on 9/11 and discuss how that day changed America.
20:00 – The State of Conservative Politics: Discussion turns to the Republican movement, grassroots activism, and the challenges facing conservatives in maintaining unity while advancing policy goals.
31:00 – South Carolina Senate Race & Ralph Norman Debate: The panel examines the aftermath of the Republican Senate primary, reactions from supporters of Ralph Norman, and the importance of avoiding divisions that could benefit Democrats in November.
35:00 – Why Republicans Cannot Take South Carolina for Granted: A discussion of demographic changes, migration into South Carolina, and concerns that the state could become more politically competitive if conservatives become complacent.
38:00 – School Choice & Education Freedom: An extensive conversation on school choice, education policy, Superintendent Ellen Weaver, and the future of educational freedom efforts in South Carolina.
1:05:00 – Economic Growth, Inflation & Trump’s Policies: Panelists discuss economic growth, inflation, tax policy, and the challenges of balancing prosperity with fiscal responsibility.
1:17:00 – Afghanistan Withdrawal & National Security: A review of the Biden Administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Abbey Gate tragedy, and a recently released documentary examining the decisions surrounding the withdrawal.
1:20:00 – General Election Outlook: Discussion of the November election, the challenge posed by Democrat Annie Andrews, and why conservatives must remain focused on winning the general election.
Featured Quotes
“Most people can remember exactly where they were on September 11th.”
“Politics is a team sport. It’s about the mission, not about any one individual.“
“We do not need to take South Carolina for granted.”
“School choice should be about families and students—not protecting special interests.”
Key Takeaways:
(1) We Must Never Forget 9/11: The panel reflected on the lasting impact of the attacks and the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and their families.
(2) Conservative Unity Matters: Internal disagreements are inevitable, but Republicans must remain focused on defeating Democrats in November and advancing conservative principles.
(3) School Choice Remains a Major Battle: Educational freedom continues to be one of the most important policy discussions in South Carolina.
(4) Economic Growth Requires Discipline: The conversation highlighted the need for growth-oriented policies that avoid excessive inflation and government expansion.
(5) Elections Have Consequences: Whether discussing education, national security, or economic policy, the panel emphasized that voter participation remains essential.
Quote of the Week:
“Politics is a team sport. It’s about the mission.”
Thank you for watching Coffee & Politics Greenville. Please share the episode with friends, family, and fellow conservatives, and join us again next Friday morning for another conversation about the issues affecting South Carolina and our nation.
Enjoy … and get ready for #ReOrg2027!!!
HAPPY 250th America!!!
Countdowns (as of 09/11/2026):
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – 52 days (Election Day)
Monday, March 1, 2027 – 170 days (ReOrg 2027)
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2028 – 532 days (est. ’28 Republican PPP)
Tuesday, June 13, 2028 – 640 days (’28 PRIMARIES)
WHEN: Every Friday from 11am – 1pm
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September 11th, 2001 … remember where you were?
For those old enough to remember, the answer is usually immediate. Whether at work, at school, at home, or on the road, Americans watched in disbelief as terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out the deadliest attack on U.S. soil in our nation’s history. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day, and America was forever changed.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th. Yet a sobering reality remains: approximately one-third of all Americans were not even alive when the Twin Towers fell. For an entire generation, 9/11 is not a memory—it is history taught in classrooms and remembered through stories shared by parents, grandparents, first responders, and veterans.
As time passes, our responsibility remains the same. We remember the victims, honor the heroes, pray for the families who still carry the loss, and teach the next generation what happened on that clear September morning.
Twenty-five years later, America still pauses to reflect on the day that changed our nation. May we never forget the courage displayed, the sacrifices made, and the unity that emerged in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Never Forget.
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September 10th, 2025, is a day many conservatives will never forget.
On that infamous day the conservative movement lost one of its most influential voices when Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was just 31 years old. A future President struck down.
As the founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie dedicated his life to engaging young Americans in the political process, defending constitutional principles, and challenging a culture that too often discourages free speech and open debate. Through his leadership, Turning Point USA grew into one of the most significant grassroots organizations in the country, inspiring a generation of conservative activists. Be Charlie!!!
Charlie Kirk was never afraid to stand for his convictions. He believed America was worth defending, freedom was worth preserving, and young people were worth investing in. Youth is the future.
As we remember Charlie Kirk, we honor a husband, father, patriot, and tireless advocate for the values he cherished. His life serves as a reminder that ideas matter, civic engagement matters, standing up for your faith matters, and courage in the public square matters.
May Charlie rest in peace, and may his family continue to find strength in the legacy he left behind.
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– By Jeff Davis
The end date was August 30th, 2021.
If you have questions about America’s military and foreign policy decisions under President Donald J. Trump, I would highly encourage you to watch the newly released 57-minute Wall Street Journal Opinion documentary, The Path to Zero: The Withdrawal From Afghanistan.
Produced by Michael Park’s Palladium Pictures (HERE), the film examines the decisions and events that led to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. It traces the collapse of the Afghan government, the frantic evacuation effort at Kabul’s airport, and the deadly Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 American service members.
What makes the documentary especially important is how quickly many Americans have forgotten those events under the previous Biden Administration. They question the direction of President Trump on international affairs … while forgetting exactly how embarrassing things were just 5 years ago.
The Path to Zero is available to watch free on The Wall Street Journal Opinion YouTube channel (HERE).
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Between the “Write-In Ralph” movement and the television ads for Democrat Annie Andrews during Labor Day weekend football games, we’re seeing a lot of angst about the potential outcome of the November 3rd U.S. Senate election here in South Carolina.
Before folks get too worked up, remember not to get distracted by emotion. Election Day is still nearly two months away. There are very capable people being paid to plan and execute Darline Graham’s campaign, and they are certainly not planning to lose.
And remember to pay attention to the available data. While the Darline Graham campaign has to execute and not be over confident, the betting odds prediction markets show a high confidence in a Darline Graham victory. 85% to 15% in fact. People willing to put their money behind their expectations – not just share opinions on social media – by far view Graham as the likely winner.
Of course, prediction markets are only one data point, and campaigns are won through voter engagement and turnout, not bets. But at this moment, the available indicators do not suggest panic.
We’ve been doing this for a long time – too long in fact – but one lesson remains constant:
Think logically, not emotionally.
85% Graham v. 15% Andrews
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