SC state employees

South Carolina's economy keeps doing better than predicted, leading the House to vote to increase the raises it wants to give to nearly every state employee. The new $13 billion budget passed 105-12 by the House matches the raises proposed last month by the Senate. If the spending plan for fiscal year 2023-24 is approved by the governor, state workers who make less than $50,000 would get a $2,500 bump in pay, while employees would get a 5% raise if they make more than $50,000. Also on Tuesday officials said the state's economy continues to do better than predicted and the General Assembly would have an extra $800 million to spend.

After years of rapid growth in tax collections, South Carolina lawmakers want to share the windfall with nearly every state employee. The Senate Finance Committee has approved a $13 billion budget for the next fiscal year that would provide raises for nearly everyone. State employees would get a $2,500 bump in their base pay if they make less than $50,000 and a 5% raise if they make more than $50,000. The spending plan heading to the Senate floor later this month also provides teachers a $2,500 raise at every position and experience level.