South Carolina senators begin $9B budget debate

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Senate will begin their discussions on how the state should spend its nearly $9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

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Lawmakers will begin their debate Wednesday on the Senate floor.

The budget, approved by the Senate Finance Committee earlier this month, allows for nearly $1 billion more in spending than the last budget.

Senators say this year's priorities include providing salary increases for teachers, state workers and judicial department employees.

The plan includes allocating $159 million toward increasing the minimum teacher salary and $41 million to cover a 2% cost of living pay raise for state workers.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman commended the House for sending over what he called one of the best budgets he has seen in a long time.

Associated Press