The News
First Monday is a Republican Business Forum allowing members of the club to become acquainted with and participate in discussions with elected officials, business leaders, candidates and party leaders.
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
First Monday was pleased to host South Carolina Lt. Gov. the Honorable Pamela Evette
Our Lt. Governor discussed the issues of jobs and education for South Carolina – highlighting our wonderful Tech School system. She gave an update on the many initiatives she has worked with Governor McMaster on in helping to lower taxes (income tax), worked to bring jobs to SC and working to keep the state clean with the Palmetto Pride program.
Lt. Gov. Evette has launched a new program called “Yes” which Is a Youth Employment Site (YES) job board. This online job database is a dedicated hub for South Carolina’s teenagers. The job board features local businesses statewide that hire youth and shows which jobs are available and how to apply. The site is mobile-friendly; employers can be accessed by zip code, age, experience level, and more.
“I’ve heard repeatedly from business owners that graduates entering the workforce often lack crucial soft skills, like responsibility, effective communication, teamwork, and many other important attributes necessary to succeed in adulthood,” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “Nothing compares to hands-on experience working a part-time job. These jobs allow our young people to gain valuable experience before entering the workforce. I’m proud to partner with DEW to educate parents about this great need and the terrific employment opportunities available across the state.” Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor to encourage young people to join the workforce.*
*Info is from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce press release
Ellen Weaver – SC Superintendent of Education
First Monday was pleased to host the Honorable Ellen Weaver our South Carolina Superintendent of Education as our speaker.
Ms. Weaver discussed her 2024 SC Department of Education Budget Priorities: Student Success, Teacher Support, Workforce Readiness and School Safety. Much of her talk focused on the wonderful achievements the Dept. has accomplished in the past year and her plans for the next few years to make our classrooms the best in the nation.
She unveiled her departments focus on the many programs they are implementing starting with the overall plan for Student Achievement – top one is “Our North Star” and that is at least 75% of students are at or above grade level by 2030.
Fully integrate Science of Reading-based professional development, instructional materials, and classroom practice.
Prioritize math standards and support with evidence-based instruction.
Deploy CARE (Character And Resilience Education ) initiatives to support and empower local leaders to build school culture and effectively address behavioral and mental health needs.
Launch statewide community engagement program.
Lisa Stevens – Capital project sales tax commission member
First Monday was pleased to host Lisa Stevens who is a member of the Greenville County Capital project sales tax commission. She gave a great update on what the Commission was tasked to do by County Council to inform the public of the options for road repair. It was an informative meeting so we could learn about the proposed ballot question that will be sent to Greenville County Council.
She explained in order to give voters a manageable ballot question to consider, staff recommended breaking the measure down into the following six purposes and proposed funding for those purposes:
1,401 road repaving and reconstruction projects — $459.4 million
42 intersection improvement projects — $167.3 million
30 roadway safety and congestion relief projects — $287.8 million
Bridge and road-related drainage projects — $83.1 million
Pavement preservation projects — $39.8 million
Road safety and improvement projects (e.g. rumble strips, signage, guardrails etc.) — $39.9 million
The projects included in each of these purposes are prioritized in four tiers, with the highest priority Tier I projects totaling $231 million involving 316 road resurfacing projects, 13 intersection improvements, four safety and congestion relief projects and 12 bridge and road-related drainage projects.
Updates on the commission’s work and a complete list of proposed projects can be found at greenvillecountyroads.com.
Some information was taken from the Greenville Journal.