Palmetto State News

Governor Henry McMaster has presented his Executive Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and economic growth. The budget outlines significant investments in infrastructure, education, and disaster relief, alongside measures to accelerate income tax cuts and raise teacher salaries.

McMaster highlighted South Carolina's economic performance as a catalyst for these financial plans: "South Carolina’s booming economy has once again created a large budget surplus, this year totaling over $1.8 billion in unexpected revenue," he stated in his address to the General Assembly.

Key components of the proposed budget include further reductions in personal income tax rates from 6.2% to 6%, resulting in an additional $193.5 million remaining with taxpayers. McMaster is also advocating for reform within environmental permitting processes with a $13.7 million allocation aimed at reducing application backlogs.

Disaster preparedness is addressed with recommendations for substantial funding towards recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. McMaster proposes $50 million for the Department of Transportation and another $40 million for resilience funds. He also suggests creating a South Carolina Public Assistance program with a $150 million allocation.

The education sector sees continued focus with initiatives like increasing the minimum starting salary for teachers to $50,000 by next year—earlier than initially planned—and investing $200 million towards this goal. Further educational reforms include expanding access to full-day kindergarten programs and establishing a scholarship fund to promote school choice.

In terms of infrastructure, McMaster emphasizes road and bridge repairs through a proposed $100 million investment directed at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

The budget also aims at enhancing public safety by allocating funds for school resource officers and proposing pay raises for law enforcement personnel. Additionally, it includes measures like introducing debit card purchases for lottery tickets to boost state lottery revenues projected at generating an extra $52 million annually.

Healthcare improvements are suggested via funding requests such as a new neurological hospital construction project supported by a recommended appropriation of $100 million.

Governor McMaster's proposals reflect his administration's priorities of economic growth while addressing social services needs across South Carolina communities.