The Daily Journal:
Cost of living, heath care, immigration top local priorities
SENECA — The South Carolina General Assembly should focus on reducing the cost of living, improving access to health care and addressing illegal immigration, according to an overwhelming majority of the people who responded to a recent survey conducted by Rep. Bill Sandifer, chairman of the Oconee County legislative delegation.
To get input on key legislative issues, Sandifer conducted a constituent survey covering areas such as education, the economy, taxes, immigration and the environment.
“I want to hear firsthand from my constituents about the issues that most affect their lives, their families and our community,” Sandifer said. “This survey has been a great way for me to learn the concerns and opinions of my constituents so I can better represent them in Columbia.”
When constituents from House District 2 were asked about the most important issue facing families in Oconee County, a high percentage of respondents answered that the cost of living is their top concern followed by healthcare costs and availability.
When asked about the most important issue facing the state of South Carolina, illegal immigration was at the top of the list. Healthcare costs and access to healthcare were next, followed by K-12 education.
Constituents may still respond to the survey; a copy is still available online at www.billsandifer.com. Citizens can also receive a survey by mail by calling Sandifer’s message center at 864-885-2240.
“I have an open-door policy and I encourage my constituents to share their opinions with me any time,” Sandifer said. “Above all, I want the people of Oconee County to know that their opinions do count. The information obtained in this survey will have a definite effect on my legislative priorities as I return to Columbia for the 2008 legislative session.”
That legislative session began Tuesday.
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To view this story online: http://www.upstatetoday.com/news/2008/jan/09/cost-living-heath-care-immigration-top-local-prior/