Published: Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2008 / Updated: Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2008 12:39 AM

Coalition pushes child-related programs

A coalition of children's service groups urged voters to start forcing politicians to discuss child-related programs such as health insurance and after-school programs at a State House rally Tuesday.

Beaufort physician Francis Rushton, district chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said parents and voters need to press elected officials to expand health insurance for children.

State Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw, said supporting funding for children's programs was a way to improve South Carolina's low ranking in many educational, health and social categories.

"There's a sense out there that we've accepted this failure. ... Our voices need to be louder," she said.