COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina House budget writers want to send raises to teachers, state employees and law enforcement, build new schools and a state health lab and buy more body cameras and bulletproof vests for police officers.
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the state's $14 billion spending plan Thursday, sending the plan to the House floor where it will be debated in mid-March.
There is an unprecedented amount of money for the General Assembly to spend in the fiscal year starting July 1 between the booming economy boosted by federal stimulus money and cash lawmakers saved over the past few years in case the COVID-19 pandemic crashed revenues. More than $3 billion is one-time money the state does not expect to have to spend again.
The centerpiece of the House's budget — a $600 million income tax cut — was passed Wednesday and included in the budget. It cuts the state's top tax bracket where nearly half the taxpayers file from 7% to 6.5% next year, eventually trimming the rate to 6% as long as the economy continues to grow. All other tax brackets would be collapsed to the lowest 3%.
“Budgets are about the future. They are about taking care of our citizens right now but also preparing for the future of the state,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Murrell Smith said.
In education, the House budget sets aside $230 million to boost the minimum pay for teachers regardless of experience by $4,000. Starting teachers in every district would be paid at least $40,000 under the plan.
Some wealthier school districts would need local leaders to put up their own money to get those raises for teachers as the House budget adopted Gov. Henry McMaster's proposal to change how the sate pays its share for public schools on student-teacher ratio and minimum teacher salaries instead of the confusing arrays of formulas currently used.
Rep. Bill Whitmire, who was in charge of K-12 spending, said the state must take action to keep teachers and combat thousands of open positions. “Hopefully we can stem that tide that’s leaving,” the Republican from Walhalla said.
It isn't all raises for teachers. The House budget includes $150 million to help rural, poorer districts build new schools and $100 million to replace old textbooks and classroom materials. There is $2.6 million in the plan to increase the checks given for teachers to buy supplies from $275 to $300.