Rep. Sellers excited about future leaders
By T&D Staff Monday, June 16, 2008“I learned that everybody wants to move South Carolina forward. There is a difference in opinion on how we get to that point,” said state Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-Denmark, after completing his first term in the General Assembly at the age of 23.
Sellers said he knew going into his first session that all the needed changes wouldn’t be made overnight.
He says there is still much to be done, such as reforming public education, improving rural infrastructure and passing a cigarette tax increase.
However, he points to the progress that has been made during his first term. He cites passing gang prevention legislation, replacing the PACT test and increasing money for lottery scholarship recipients among those accomplishments.
In Columbia, Sellers has introduced legislation seeking to reduce childhood obesity and health disparities. In addition, he has been a proponent of increasing scholarships and tuition assistance.
The last two years have been busy for Sellers. He juggled being a law student at the University of South Carolina with learning the ropes at the Statehouse.
The balancing act didn’t go unnoticed by Democratic presidential nominee-in-waiting Sen. Barack Obama.
During a visit to South Carolina State University, Obama touted Sellers as an up-and-coming politician who is being recognized not only in South Carolina but around the country
“I’m still very hungry ... I believe I can help provide change to my community. I’m excited about the future of South Carolina. I’m excited about our future leaders,” Sellers said.
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