Education
S285 … it is PERSONAL
What have you done to help one child?
An associate mentioned to me recently that “I should not take it personally” related to something with our school choice advocacy for S285, the PACE/ACE Scholarship Bill (see HERE & HERE).
It was not like there was any heated discussion … just a general statement about the overall “fight” for any legislative measure. In fact I tell people all the time this is a long game … don’t burn out … so in some respects I agreed.
But as I thought about it … I actually SHOULD take it personally. Personally in the sense that it motivates me to push HARDER. In fact we all should get (pardon my language) … REALLY PI**ED OFF … when we see legislators and others purposefully quashing game changing legislation that will change children’s lives.
S285 is not some unusual or untested school choice gimmick. 350,000 kids a year get scholarships under similar programs in 30 +/- other states. The structure has been around for over 25+ years. No Tax Credit Scholarship (TCS) program like it has ever been found unconstitutional. Georgia non-profits raised $120 MILLION for their program in 1 day this year (HERE) … citizens love these programs!!!
And worse … it actually worked in South Carolina for three years (2014, 2015 & 2016) until corrupt political operatives, monied special-interest, and self-interested “Republican” legislators DESTROYED IT … and in turn destroyed the lives of children with special needs … and a lot more.
YES … we should take it PERSONALLY!!!
Why is it personal?
Why should we take it personally? Because between 2014 and 2016, when our independent 501(c)(3) non-profit was one of five involved in the administration of the special needs school choice program (as it is run by independent non-profits in 30 other states) … we helped increase attendance substantially at good Christian & “unwoke” private schools. It wasn’t rich kids … it was middle and lower class kids with special needs that could not afford these private schools without our help.
EXAMPLE #1: One dyslexia school went from 70 something kids to over 130 … in just 3 years. Many of those kids could not read when they were first enrolled, but within months (and in some cases weeks) they could read and no longer thought they were just “stupid”. That is life-changing.
EXAMPLE #2: Another one of our full spectrum special needs schools went from 5 kids to over 30 in those three years. The kids getting help were the poorest of the poor. Instead of being stuck in a corner of a public school classroom where they were mocked and bullied, those kids found a FAMILY. A real family and a place to belong feel loved, accepted and most importantly being able to learn. It truly was a beautiful place, and the thought of what happened to that school (it is now closed because of the government takeover of the program) drives me daily to push harder.
EXAMPLE #3: We also gave a scholarship to a kid who was left under a bridge as an infant. Yes, left under a real overpass bridge … like in a movie, but it wasn’t a movie. The child had problems – who would not … and no big public school classroom with 30 kids could provide what that child needed … and the family that adopted the child could not afford a $20,000 a year private school. Well, we paid half of the tuition (the $10,000 legal limit at the time) and the school generously waived the other half … so that child was provided the help the needed.
And that is our “WHY”, because of 10,000 kids just like this, because they are out there and they are NOT receiving the help today!
HATERS & Legislators
Haters to Blame: There are some bitter, angry and envious folks out there who might say we are full of it … the political gadflies … ones who falsely accuse us of some personal financial interest … but what have those people done for a single kid? A specific child whose life has changed because of what they did, legislatively? They have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING … just part of the status quo do nothing problem … but they are full of complaints and GOSSIP … and I would not want to be in their shoes when they reach the pearly gates.
Legislators to Blame: And yes, there are some innocent elected officials and others that don’t really know what is going on … even though they should know better than to plead ignorance, and they should be asking us what’s up. But there are some elected officials and bureaucrats that know EXACTLY what they have done (or allowed to be done) to children. It is why I have a “difference” with certain legislators … especially those that cry for liberty & school choice the loudest … our self professed legislative “champions” … yet they sit quietly if it might impact their re-election … or offend the HATERS. It is not because I have some “political battle” with these people … or they are political opponents … in fact we could be their biggest allies … but because of their silence many would consider them hypocrites. They know exactly what they need to do … and they refuse.
THE 10,000 KIDS
WHY WE ALL SHOULD TAKE IT PERSONAL? We should because it is our civic duty … it is our cause and our cross to bear … much like many of you have your cause you fight for and take foolishness personally. And we do if for how we have seen first hand how children’s lives … a lot of children in fact … were changed in just a few short years from 2014 – 2016. We stayed in this fight for those kids and families that have no voice … and because of the CORRUPTION we saw. We have been personally pummeled with lies you could not imagine … as well as so much hate it would blow your mind.
But we put up with it … and will not quit … because we WILL help those 10,000 kids.
#NeverSURRENDER!!!
#NeverFORGET!!!
#ItIsPERSONAL!!!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Jeff Davis is co-founder of mySCGOP.com. Jeff is a ’89 graduate of The Citadel and in 1993 received his Law/MBA from USC. A tax attorney / CPA licensed in Georgia, Jeff is an uncompromised school choice advocate for K-12 children with special needs. Originally from Charleston, and having practiced in Atlanta, Jeff and his wife Olga now live in Greenville. Jeff completed his two year term as Greenville County Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as GCRP State Executive Committeeman.
Jeff is also “barred” from attending the SCGOP State Executive Committee Meetings (HERE). Why? Because he dared to run against Drew McKissick for SCGOP Chairman – coming in 2nd with Drew only being reelected by 1.8% (HERE & HERE) – and in September 2021 he told the State Executive Committee that Chad Connelly had been under SLED investigation for a year and a half … and it was true (HERE & HERE).
Interestingly … Braylee Estep can attend the SCGOP State Executive Committee meetings … unlike the elected State Executive Committeeman from the largest county in South Carolina representing 12% of the entire state.
June 19th, 2023 Article: HERE
December 15th, 2023 Article: HERE
HAVE AN OPINION?
Have an opinion? Different or in agreement? About the above or something else? If so, we want to hear from you! Send in your letters to team@mySCGOP.com and we will be happy to share it with our readers. #SaveSouthCarolina!
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Dear South Carolina Patriots,
Friends, if you are a MAGA America First STATE DELEGATE (or alternate) … register for the SCGOP (RINO) State Convention ASAP!!!
The deadline is Wednesday, April 30th at 11:59pm … but we have heard from delegates all across South Carolina that had no idea there was a registration deadline. Those delegates (coincidentally) all seem to be AGAINST current Chairman Drew McKissick. #FireDREW!!!
So … REGISTER ASAP … like right now … especially if you are “real” MAGA America First!!!
Register Today: HERE
Bonus: Zero Guest Policy?
Straight from the SCGOP registration page.
Isn’t it interesting …….
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SCGOP Disclaimers:
“The 2025 State Convention will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located on 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201.”
“The Convention will gavel in at 11:00AM with credentialing beginning at 9:30AM.”
“Each Delegate will only be able to purchase ONE ticket per person.”
“We have a zero guest policy. Unless you are a State Delegate or State Alternate, you will be denied entry to State Convention.“
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SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
Jeff Davis on In Depth with Mason Sims – 4/24/2025 (HERE)
There is a lot going on in the way of discussion about (#1) the SC Senate’s Railroading of Treasure Curtis Loftis (or really the railroading of “US”) … & (#2) the SCGOP Convention on May 3rd.
Here is a quick live podcast video of Jeff Davis on In Depth with Mason Sims from last that we think you may enjoy.
Podcast Live Video: HERE
If you have any questions, concerns or thoughts … just let us know at team@mySCGOP.com.
The SC Senate’s Railroading of “US”: HERE
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Jeff Davis is co-founder of mySCGOP.com. Jeff is a ’89 graduate of The Citadel and in 1993 received his Law/MBA from USC. A tax attorney / CPA licensed in Georgia, Jeff is an uncompromised school choice advocate for K-12 children with special needs. Originally from Charleston, and having practiced in Atlanta, Jeff and his wife Olga now live in Greenville. Jeff completed his two year term as Greenville County Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as GCRP State Executive Committeeman.
Jeff is also “barred” from attending the SCGOP State Executive Committee Meetings (HERE). Why? Because he dared to run against Drew McKissick for SCGOP Chairman – coming in 2nd with Drew only being reelected by 1.8% (HERE & HERE) – and in September 2021 he told the State Executive Committee that Chad Connelly had been under SLED investigation for a year and a half … and it was true (HERE & HERE).
Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.
SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
4/21/2025 YouTube Live Stream: HERE
Yesterday was 10 hours and 15 minutes of pure railroading of the most popular elected public official in the State of South Carolina … Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
At the end of the night, “our” SC State Senators voted 33 to 8 in favor of S 534 (HERE) … a Concurrent Resolution on the “removal” of Curtis Loftis.
But none of this had to do with Curtis Loftis … if had to do with YOU … with US.
If you watch the video you can tell the utter distain our SC State Senators have for US and our opinions. We had over 400 simultaneous viewers on our live stream yesterday … all furious about what they were witnessing. Many had never actually watched a video of the proceedings at the SC Statehouse … never seen what really happens in Chambers on the live feed. Well, now they have, and now they know exactly how bad it is.
We have watched this for just over 10 years in our School Choice battle. Yesterday was no different. The Senate had it’s mind made up BEFORE the proceedings started … and nothing was going to change the outcome. It was all about the MONEY … and their petty vendettas … it had nothing to do with what is right morally, ethically, or legally … it was all a show.
Anyone watching saw the terrible opening performance of Senators Grooms & Goldfinch. We then all witnessed the brilliant performance of Treasurer Loftis and his representatives / lawyers. Curtis and his TEAM laid out his case and we all thought it was over … slam dunk … Curtis was vindicated.
Then the rest of the Senators got their “10 minutes each of Q&A” … and it became obvious the outcome was predetermined.
The final vote was 33 to 8 (with 5 excused absences).
But even the 8 that voted in favor of Treasurer Loftis … they all sat there relatively silent knowing the “fix was in” … just like so many times in our school choice fight. It was a railroading because that is what THEY all wanted.
This was not about Curtis Loftis … this was about POWER, CONTROL, MONEY … and petty personal VENDETTAS … and now a lot more people have seen it first hand.
Let’s hope this is the “Shot Heard Round the WORLD” for South Carolina citizens to wake up to the problem which is our SC State Legislature – especially the SC Senate. Not some of them, not a few in leadership … not just the ones who voted against Curtis Loftis … but (sadly) every single one of them. Silence is compliance. Where was any elected SC Senator FIGHTING for Curtis Loftis … or US … yesterday? They were all responsible.
NOW … get ready and watch the #FakeNewsMedia and everyone else who “benefits” from getting rid of Curtis will start to pile on. Watch some (who have been shafting The People as well) try to reap some positive brownie points out of this to help ingratiate themselves with the grassroots as they claim outrage and try to come to Curtis’ defense. None of this is complicated once you see the mental manipulation that goes on in politics in general, and SC politics specifically.
More to come on this for sure … stay tuned.
Watch the Recording:
YouTube: (HERE)
X: (HERE)
FaceBook: Part 1 (HERE), Part 2 (HERE)
The Vote:
Vote on S534 (4/21/2025): HERE
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Jeff Davis is co-founder of mySCGOP.com. Jeff is a ’89 graduate of The Citadel and in 1993 received his Law/MBA from USC. A tax attorney / CPA licensed in Georgia, Jeff is an uncompromised school choice advocate for K-12 children with special needs. Originally from Charleston, and having practiced in Atlanta, Jeff and his wife Olga now live in Greenville. Jeff completed his two year term as Greenville County Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as GCRP State Executive Committeeman.
Jeff is also “barred” from attending the SCGOP State Executive Committee Meetings (HERE). Why? Because he dared to run against Drew McKissick for SCGOP Chairman – coming in 2nd with Drew only being reelected by 1.8% (HERE & HERE) – and in September 2021 he told the State Executive Committee that Chad Connelly had been under SLED investigation for a year and a half … and it was true (HERE & HERE).
Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.
SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
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