Senate Update: State success relies on personal responsibility

Every couple of years, we go to the polls to elect our leaders for local, state and national offices.

Invariably, it seems, someone can be found who questions whether one vote, a singular act of faith, can make a difference and put our community, state or nation on a different course. Yet, our recent electoral history is replete with examples of how a few votes swayed the results on every level.

Remember, for example, the 2000 Florida recount? Approximately 537 votes or fewer depending on the count decided the course of our nation.

As our state and nation struggle during this economic downturn, I’m sure many question whether they have the ability to help turn around our country’s fortunes.

After all, the challenges are tremendous. South Carolina has one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates. In the Palmetto State, there are some 265,000 jobless residents. Revenues to fund local and state government are dwindling, forcing cuts in services and programs, including public education.

President Obama’s economic stimulus plan is designed to help jumpstart the economy and provide a financial cushion for local and state government. But President Obama also has urged folks to take charge of their own personal economic stimulus plan.

While government is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting, we, as individuals, also have a role to play. If, unfortunately, you are jobless, you can use this time as an opportunity to remake yourself and rethink your career choices.

Many of our residents qualify for federal job training or retraining assistance which may help adapt their skills to current or future workforce needs. Others may want to consider following long-held career goals by furthering their education at universities or technical colleges.

Another option may be to volunteer with a company in a field where you desire to work. Or, just give of your time to a volunteer organization and help others.

Even if you have a job, there may be a computer course or some additional training or certification available that will make you more marketable when – and not if – the economy improves.

Your individual choices, collectively, will help make South Carolina a better place and a more attractive place for businesses looking for a highly trained workforce. And, the way we, as adults and parents, respond to this crisis may serve as a blueprint for how our children and others over whom we have influence respond to crises in their lives.

Consider today, Election Day: The choice to invest in our prosperity is yours. Step out on faith and exercise what has been called, “The power of you.”

It is an honor to serve you in Columbia, and I am grateful for your continued support. As with all matters concerning state government, I want to hear your opinions and suggestions concerning these issues. Please contact me in my Columbia office located at 602 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at (803) 212-6008 or by fax at (803) 212-6011. My district office is located at 137 Airport Road, Suite J, Mullins, SC 29574, the phone number is (843) 423-8237 and the fax number is (843) 431-6049. You may also email me at WILLIAMSK@scsenate.org.

As always, I also want to supply you with my business phone number so that you will able to reach me easily at any time. My business phone is (843) 423-3904.
Please use this information to write, call or email me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.