I'm speaking from my heart with the rawest emotion, as a single mom hit hard by the systemic cuts to childcare. Every day, I wake up and work, doing my best to provide for my family. But recently, I've been faced with a hammer blow. The South Carolina Childcare Scholarship came to an abrupt end for many families like mine as of December 1, 2025. Now, six months later, it's my turn to be let go, and I feel the weight of uncertainty like never before.

In a system stacked against us by decisions made in Washington, D.C., the working class people find ourselves in crisis. Those in power, who live lavishly with private chefs and drivers, decided to pull the rug from under families who actually form the backbone of our society. My childcare arrangement, a partnership enabled by that scholarship, allowed me to strive for better each day. Now, I face the very real and unfortunate prospect of quitting my job just to care for my child.

The frustration over these cuts is compounded by watching funds being allocated elsewhere, like on roads that didn’t urgently need fixing. It's baffling and infuriating to see these priorities when families are already struggling to provide basic needs. South Carolina, the state, claims there's no money for childcare, yet our taxes are still collected. Where is this money going?

I'm not here to ask for financial handouts; I'm here to demand systemic change. By restoring these scholarships, South Carolina can support hardworking families and boost our local economy. We cannot ignore this issue any longer. It's time we ask, why are our families and children sidelined in budget discussions?

Join me in calling for immediate action to reinstate the South Carolina Childcare Scholarship. Let's ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive. Sign this petition to demand accountability and support for our community. We deserve a chance to work and innovate without fearing for our children's futures. Together, we can make a difference. Please sign and share this petition widely.