A compromise state budget approved by South Carolina lawmakers is headed to the House and Senate for final approval, bringing teacher pay increases, expanded property tax relief for seniors and other funding priorities closer to becoming law.
The proposed budget includes a $2,000 pay raise for teachers, increasing the state’s starting teacher salary to $50,000 annually ahead of the new school year.
Lawmakers also agreed to increase the senior Homestead Exemption from $55,000 to $75,000, providing additional property tax relief for eligible homeowners. Legislators worked through legal and technical issues to ensure the exemption could be implemented.
The spending plan also addresses funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and sets aside $377 million in earmarks for local projects across the state.
Among the earmarked funding is money to support site preparation for the $150 million Scout Motors facility in Blythewood, with the earmarks expected to be considered through separate legislation in the coming months.
The budget now awaits final votes in both the House and Senate. If approved, it will be sent to Gov. Henry McMaster, who will decide whether to sign the spending plan into law.
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