Beaufort County invests heavily in higher ed
I often find articles that have the setting of “Did you know” to be quite refreshing and always a learning experience. I thought what a great time to send one of my own.
“Did you know” that Beaufort County is the largest financial backer to both the Technical College of the Lowcountry and the University of South Carolina Beaufort?
When I have said that in the past, I have heard some utter under their breath, “No, the state pays for higher education.” Au contraire ... and especially here in South Carolina.
Our state legislature has all but turned its back on the technical colleges and small four-year institutions. No other county or municipality contributes remotely close to what Beaufort County does to TCL and USCB, outside of usual tuition, etc.
Last year, we dedicated the value of the mil to both institutions, since the economy had grown. That meant $2.12 million went to each school. This year, we have done the same appropriation in our budget, and based on the value of the mil it should increase to approx $2.254 million – again, based upon the health of the economy.
I simply ask, “Did you know that?” I simply ask, if you were a resident of another county or municipality, would you not want to make sure the proper preparation, education and training was available in your area?
I ask you to contact your respective town or county council representatives to insist on fair and equitable funding for these excellent centers of higher education.
Michael E. Covert
Beaufort County Council District 7
Bluffton
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