Local Representative, Rita Allison, receives Common Good Award
February 16, 2017
South Carolina House Representative, Rita Allison received the 2017 South Carolina Common Good Award for Education. Each year, South Carolina United Ways come together to recognize individuals who work to uplift and empower communities in the three areas of education, financial stability, and health. The recipients in each category advance the common good at the state house, through legislative efforts, committee leadership, as well as in their districts. They are chosen amongst many for their servant leadership and selfless generosity. Their dedication to advancing the common good goes above and beyond to truly reflect the values of United Way.
Representative Allison was a natural choice for the award due to her long and distinguished history of service to her community and fighting for the education of children in the state of South Carolina. She served on the Spartanburg County District Five School Board from 1986 to 1992. In 1993, she was elected to the SC House of Representatives where today she still represents District 36, which covers Spartanburg and Greenville Counties. Rep. Allison is also the Chairwoman for the House Education and Public Works Committee, where she continues to champion education and early childhood development policies.
Presently, Representative Allison is spearheading the proposed First Steps Reauthorization Bill (H3591) which will bring needed support and resources to local child care facilities. The proposed Bill will increase accessibility of local First Steps programs by expanding hours of operation as well as insure the accountability and quality of such programs through the implementation of best practices and uniform data collection.
The South Carolina Common Good Awards follow United Way Public Policy Day at the State House held on February 15th. During the day, volunteers and staff visit with state legislators to discuss issues important to local communities in the areas education, financial stability, and health. The day concludes with the Common Good Awards, celebrating those leaders that selflessly give their time and resources to serve a cause greater than themselves.
About United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that works to create opportunities for a stronger, healthier community for us all. Our mission is to connect, engage and inspire people to transform our community. Our priority areas are Education, Financial Stability, and Health because we believe these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We recruit people and organizations from across the community who possess the passion, expertise, and resources to get things done. We believe that every individual should be engaged in their community, and United Way can be the source of that connection. When you GIVE of your financial resources, ADVOCATE for a cause, or VOLUNTEER your time, you become part of the change that creates a better life for all.
