COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina House has given key approval to the state's budget, a $13 billion spending plan that includes teacher pay increases and property tax relief.
Lawmakers approved the measure Tuesday evening after a full day of debate. It will have a third vote Wednesday, which is a formality, before moving on to the Senate.
Lawmakers had to make tough decisions this year as they grappled with a $1.7 billion surplus against over $4 billion in state agency requests.
"I think this is a good, conservative solid budget," said Rep. Neal Collins (R-Easley).
The state spending plan includes $200 million to increase teacher salaries, $500 million in property tax relief, and $200 million for bridge repairs and replacements.
That means the minimum salary for a starting teacher would be increased to $47,000 a year — a nearly 70% increase from a decade ago. The budget also would allow teachers to get a yearly raise for each of their first 28 years instead of their first 23.
"I think education won out in this year's budget, which makes my heart happy," Collins said. "Hopefully, it will pay dividends in recruiting and retaining teachers, a critical issue in South Carolina."
However, not all requests were met. South Carolina's colleges and universities sought $128 million to freeze in-state tuition, but the House only approved $57 million, sparking concerns over college affordability.
"We've got to ensure that college remains affordable," said Rep. Gilda Cobb-hunter (D-Orangeburg).
The Freedom Caucus proposed amendments aiming to cut funding for various programs and agencies.
"It’s one of the reasons that we’re fighting against this budget which doesn’t cut a single dollar from a single program, in fact, most programs and agencies here in South Carolina saw an increase in money even though we know an incoming recession is on the horizon," said Rep. RJ May (R-Lexington County).
Meanwhile, Democrats continued to advocate for funding for the summer feeding program, which Gov. Henry McMaster opted out of.
"We think it is abhorrent that South Carolina refuses to accept federal dollars to feed hungry children," said Cobb-Hunter.
The budget still needs to go to the Senate and be signed off by the governor.