South Carolina Legislature Approves $15 Billion State Budget, Delays Funding for Local Projects
South Carolina lawmakers approved a $15 billion state spending plan six weeks after the fiscal year began. The budget includes tax breaks for older homeowners and increased pay for teachers and state employees. However, it notably excludes any legislator-requested earmarks…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 12, 2026 —
COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina lawmakers have finalized a $15 billion state spending plan, bringing an end to legislative deliberations that extended six weeks beyond the start of the fiscal year. The approved budget is set to implement tax breaks for older homeowners and provide salary increases for both teachers and state employees.
A significant aspect of this year’s budget is the deliberate exclusion of legislator-requested earmarks and funding for local projects. This decision emerged as a point of contention during negotiations between the House and Senate, highlighting differing priorities within the legislature.
The budget now moves to the governor’s desk for review. The governor has the authority to approve the plan as is or to issue vetoes on specific provisions.
Key provisions within the budget include:
- Tax relief measures targeted at older homeowners.
- Increased compensation for teachers.
- Salary adjustments for state employees.
The delay in approving the budget past the July 1st start of the fiscal year means that state agencies have been operating under continuing resolutions. The absence of earmarks represents a shift from previous budget cycles, where such allocations were common.
The finalization of the budget now allows state agencies to plan expenditures according to the newly approved allocations. The governor’s review period is expected to be closely watched for any potential vetoes that could alter the final spending plan.
Story summarized from the original created by Skylar Laird on scdailygazette.com, see more information here.
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