The SC New Democrats believe that to win statewide elections and bring needed reforms for our state to be successful in the 21st century, we as a Party need to adopt a few big and bold ideas that demonstrate our values and priorities to the people of the state. (For more details see the "Reform Agenda"). Therefore, we offer the following resolution for adoption as part of the Party Platform at the State Democratic Party Convention on April 28, 2007.
Mayor Bob Coble Mayor Floyd Nicholson Phil Noble
SC New Democrats Co-Chair SC New Democrats Co-Chair SC New Democrats President
County Chairs Ken Campbell, Oconnee
SC New Democrats Outreach Committee
Steve Benjamin, Richland Andrew Arnold, Greenville Betty M. Harris, Chesterfield Waring Howe, Charleston & National Executive Committeeman
John Painter, Pickens Joanne Williams, Colleton William Goff, Horry Richard Smith, Georgetown Jim Watkins, York
Resolved:
South Carolina Democrats have five long-term goals for our state that we believe will dramatically increase our chances of success in the global economy of the 21st century. These goals cannot be reached immediately, but we believe they are attainable within two to four years if we begin now.
We believe that education is the key to our long-term success. If we don't fix our education system, nothing else really matters. Therefore, our long-term goals are:
Commitment to World Class Learning -pass a Constitutional Amendment to establish a 'top quality, world class' education system instead of a 'minimally adequate' system as the state's standard for public education.
Ready to Learn -create universal statewide 4-year-old kindergartens with adequate support services in health and nutrition to ensure that all children are ready to learn.
Tools to Learn -ensure a laptop computer for every student and broadband access for every family. In the 21st century, computer literacy is as important as reading, writing, and arithmetic was in the 20th century. The global $100 laptop initiative, One Laptop Per Child, shows what is possible. Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to wireless broadband, as it is an indispensable tool for success in the global economy of the 21st century.
Unlimited Learning -provide universal access to unlimited learning and job skills training for colleges, graduate schools or tech schools - regardless of an individual's wealth. With a combination of financial aid, tax credits, loans and community service, everyone should be able to get all the education and job skills required to help them develop to their full potential.
Universal Minimum Health Care -ensure a minimum level of health care for everyone. There is no single best way to achieve this goal. Many states are experimenting with different methods. Two of the most promising are the universal minimum health insurance plans enacted by Republican governors in Massachusetts and California. Regardless of the specific policy formula chosen, the goal should be the same - a minimum level of health care for all.
Therefore, we as the South Carolina Democratic Party do adopt this resolution and encourage every candidate, county, city and affiliated party organizations to also adopt this resolution.
