Education "An Investment in Human Resources," South Carolina Policymaker Believes

South Carolina State Representative Bessie Moody-Lawrence (Flemming Fellow ’95) believes "a good education can affect the quality of one’s livelihood." She believes the role of education is to "invest in our human resources early in life and to take a preventive position whenever it is developmentally appropriate." In 1993 she took her experience as an educator to the legislature, where she secured the passage of full-day kindergarten legislation in South Carolina.

Successful democracy depends on a good education, she notes. "People who are better educated are more able to maintain a democracy because they are equipped with the basic skills to make intelligent decisions that affect the quality of life for all human beings." Moody-Lawrence, a professor of education, introduced HB 3382, which provides for a pregnancy prevention education course for pregnant women under 18.

While education may be the underpinning of sound communities, Moody Lawrence has sponsored policies which also contribute to the health, safety and economic self-sufficiency of the communities she represents.

Moody-Lawrence helped a local community to fight the approval of zoning for a liquor store in a poor neighborhood. She blocked funding for clean up of parks until the legislation ensured that parks in poorer communities would be improved. In the current session, Moody-Lawrence introduced HB 3380, a gun control bill, which will require gun owners to have a safety lock. She also introduced HB 3895, equal pay legislation to ensure economic self-sufficiency for all, regardless of gender or race.

Her experience as an educator and support for underserved communities have made her an invaluable asset to CPA’s Southeast Policy Leaders Forum.