Fill out the census, South Carolinians, to ensure our state gets its fair share
On the census
There are now less than 30 days remaining for Beaufort County citizens to be counted in the 2020 Census.
The census is our government’s way of determining how billions of federal dollars go to communities during the next 10 years. The results from the census also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets, as well as the money available for teachers and special education and early childhood programs.
In addition high Census results lead to funding for:
▪ Grants for buses (something sorely needed in our county).
▪ Highway planning and construction.
▪ Programs to protect our environment, prevent child abuse, provide hurricane assistance and offer housing assistance to older adults.
As of late last month the national response rate for the 2020 Census was 64.5%.
But the response rate for South Carolina was a dismal 58.5% — and just 47.50% of Beaufort County residents had completed it, putting our county 36th among our state’s 46 counties.
The fact is that nearly $13 billion is on the line.
If we don’t act and increase the number of citizens who complete the census, other communities with higher completion rates will get the funding that we should receive.
So get everyone you know to complete the census.
Go to my2020Census.gov — or call (844) .330-2020 (for English) or (844) 468.-2020 (for Spanish).
On Sunday, Sept. 6, you can attend a Census Day event from noon to 3 p.m. at the Campbell Chapel AME Church, located at 25 Boundary St. in Bluffton.
During the event volunteers with the League of Women Voters, Campbell Chapel AME Church and Iglesia Torre Fuente will be available to assist you and answer any questions about completing the 2020 Census.
Patricia Felton-Montgomery, Bluffton
Felton-Montgomery is president of the League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island and the Bluffton Area.
On Graham, Trump
I am puzzled by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s recent endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Before becoming a lapdog sycophant for the president, Graham had characterized Trump as “a nut job” who was a “xenophobic” person “ill-suited “ to hold office. What happened over the last few years for Graham to change his mind so dramatically?
Who says money can’t buy you love?
R. Evan White, Okatie
On unsung heroes
There have been many unsung heroes during this horrible pandemic, and I’d like to recognize three of mine.
First are the teachers.
Some letter writers have erroneously assumed that teachers went on vacation when the schools shut down; in fact, teachers have been working harder than ever for their students.
They have been preparing and conducting online media instruction, delivering lesson materials to those without internet access and contacting students individually to check on their progress and needs.
Second, I would like to recognize the local library staffers who have made amazing extra media materials available for children. In addition their efforts to communicate with the community — from the shutdown to the latest reclosing of library buildings — have been exemplary.
Last but not least I would like to recognize state Sen. Tom Davis, who brought much-needed COVID-19 testing opportunities to Beaufort County after state government was incredibly slow to get such vital testing underway.
State Sen. Davis assembled all of the people needed to conduct eight testing sessions, and he was also present at every session to assist with any and all matters.
Thank you to the teachers, library staffers and state Sen. Davis.
Barbara Wells, Bluffton
This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 4:28 PM.