Bernie Sanders has been a United States Senator for Vermont since 2007 and is currently the longest-serving Independent in congressional history. This is the senator’s second time running for the Democratic nomination, with a loss to Hillary Clinton in 2016. Sanders has gained fame across the country with his progressive politics which he self-describes as “democratic socialism.”
EDUCATION
Senator Sanders has made education a cornerstone of his campaign in this election cycle. In the past, he has sponsored bills to make college tuition-free and reduce interest rates on student loan debt, but his 2020 campaign for presidency promises new ideas, as well.
These promises include eliminating the tuition requirement for colleges, canceling all student debt, providing affordable early childhood education, hiring more faculty for colleges and universities, reinvesting in public schools and teachers, rebuilding school infrastructure, expanding work-study programs in colleges and universities, giving Dreamers equal opportunities to attain education, of course, increasing teacher pay.
Senator Sanders’ proposals would mean immense change for South Carolina. Currently, U.S. News ranks the state as 43rd out of 50 states in terms of our quality of education. Just last spring, South Carolina teachers marched on the State House in a bid for better funding, higher pay, and smaller classes. After both controversial comments about SC for Ed and recent legislation by Republican leaders, Sanders could potentially see a rise in support leading up to the Democratic primary.
HEALTHCARE
An advocate for single-payer universal healthcare, Sanders believes in lowering the cost of many drugs and expanding Medicare for All. Other campaign proposals include increasing community health clinics, making mental health services available for all, and eliminating medical debt to ease the burden on families facing medical bankruptcy.
According to KFF, people of color comprise approximately one-third of South Carolina’s population, which is more than the average of both the South and the United States as a whole. One-fifth of the state’s population is poor, and many in these marginalized populations have poorer health statuses compared to their neighbors. In fact, South Carolinians are less insured than the average nationwide population, demonstrating a clear need for the accessible medical care promised in Sanders’ platform.
ECONOMY
Sanders has been a big supporter of small businesses and has expressed great interest in helping these businesses succeed. Sanders’s record includes a support of access to low-interest loans for small businesses and legislation like the Small Business Jobs Act. Sanders has also promoted an increase in access to startup funds, education, and training to encourage the development of a talented workforce. The senator also seeks to raise the federal minimum wage to fifteen dollars an hour.
South Carolina’s small businesses employ around 743,262 people across the state, per the U.S. Small Business Administration. The measures promoted by Senator Sanders could secure him small business support this election cycle as he promotes the conditions necessary for smaller industries to thrive in the age of large business competition.
This article is the first in a series of profiles of Democratic Presidential candidates leading up to South Carolina’s Democratic primary on February 29th, 2020. This series seeks to reflect on the policies of each candidate that most directly impact the citizens of South Carolina.