The South Carolina House of Representatives recently passed a $14 billion state spending plan after a lengthy 13-hour debate. The budget includes changes to health insurance premiums for state workers, with workers having to pay more out-of-pocket. However, it also includes pay raises for teachers and state employees, with starting teacher pay set to increase to $48,500 a year. The plan also allocates funds for hurricane damage relief and a reduction in the state’s highest income tax rate.
Members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus attempted to cut $1 billion from the budget in order to end tuition freezes at state universities and defund certain agencies, but their proposals did not gain any traction. Despite this, the budget plan was passed by a wide margin, with 99 out of 124 House members voting in favor.
The South Carolina Senate is set to debate the proposed budget next month. The budget’s passage is seen as a significant step in reshaping the state’s government spending policies. Republican Rep. Jordan Pace of Goose Creek, leader of the Freedom Caucus, compared the proposed budget to President Trump’s efforts to reshape government in Washington.
Overall, the budget plan addresses a variety of issues, including health insurance premiums, education funding, and tax rates. It will now move on to the Senate for further discussion and potential amendments before being finalized.
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