VOICES

Some of the opinions expressed about Gov. Mark Sanford’s tuition tax credit proposal at the House public hearing:

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“The question is whether you’ve got the guts to stand up and fight and fix public education. Public schools take all comers, but private schools can — and do — pick and choose.”

— Jon Butzon, director of the Charleston Education Network

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“We must provide the children of South Carolina with choices. There is no issue pending in the Legislature that’s more important than our children’s education.”

— Hollie Bennett, Rock Hill social worker and parent

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“It is the liberal and even socialistic philosophies taught in K-12 education that has caused the destruction of the family.”

— Sheri Few, of S.C. Parents Involved in Education

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“Tax credits in any form would lead us down a dangerous path.”

— Leni Patterson, Laurens parent and school board member

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“We cannot erase our history of inferior education overnight. We don’t have it right yet. Jumping ship at this point would be unfair.”

— Greenville resident Grier Mullins, who has helped raise money for public schools

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“When parents and not school officials direct how taxpayers’ dollars are spent, the schools improve.”

— Rich Thompson, of the Southern Association of Black Independent Schools

Compiled by Jennifer Talhelm