Work at the State House is starting to ramp up as we near budget deadlines and more bills are voted out of committee. Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee finalized the House Budget Proposal. The proposal will be debated on the House floor the week of March 13.

The $13.8 million budget proposal included many of the Chamber’s legislative priorities:

• $96 million to fund year two of the Incremental Tax Rate Reduction from 6.5% to 6.4%
• Funds to increase teacher starting pay by $2,500 bringing SC closer to the national average
• $15 million to fund part of Trident Technical College’s EV Institute
• $1.1 million for SC Manufacturing Extensions Partnership
• $200 million for Strategic Economic Development Infrastructure
• $10 million for LocateSC, a tool for businesses looking to locate in SC
• $3.7 million for Economic Development deal closing fund
• $250,000 in recurring dollars for the Be Pro Be Proud program to address the skills gap
• $7.4 million to implement H. 3726 Statewide Workforce Development
• $200 million to accelerate bridge infrastructure improvements
• $100 million to extend the SC Workforce Industry and Needs (SCWINS) Scholarship Program
• $3.5 million to create the Carolina Internship Pilot Program partnering students with private industry
• $97,000 in recurring funds to sustain the Palmetto Pathfinder Program that connects transitioning veterans with peer mentors to aid in their transition to professional and civilian life
• $115,425 to create a SC specific web-based tool available to transitioning service members world-wide. This will serve as a recruiting tool to bring highly skilled veterans to SC workforce.
• $5 million to fund the Military Enhancement Plan, a tool which awards grants to communities surrounding our military installations to maintain their viability.

Legislative Scorecard Bills on the Move:

H. 3726 Statewide Education and Workforce Development (favorable)

House Bill 3726 passed out of the full Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee this week with an amendment adding more substantive details. The bill will allow SC to better understand what is working in the workforce development space. It will create a State Director of Workforce Development and a unified state plan. It also provides a benefits calculator that will help create a transition plan for those transitioning from public assistance to employment. Workforce challenges are cited as the number one issue for businesses in our Chamber. We are proud to support this bill and look forward to debate on the House floor next week.

H. 3014 Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act (favorable)

The Clementa C. Pinckney Hate Crimes Act received a favorable report out of the Full House Judiciary Committee this week by a vote of 20-1. South Carolina is one of two states that does not have a Hate Crimes bill. Since the bill’s introduction, it has garnered over 65 co-sponsors in the House. The Metro Chamber’s Coalition submitted a letter that was placed on every House members desk this week. We look forward to working with our representatives to pass this bill out of the House next week.

S.124 Noncertified Teacher Pilot Program (favorable)

South Carolina, like many other states, is facing a teacher shortage. Addressing this shortage needs to go beyond the salary increases included in the budget proposal so that generations of workers are adequately prepared to enter the workforce. Senate bill 124, makes it easier for mid-career professionals to switch to teaching. This passed the Senate this week 39-1 and will be sent to the House.

S.208 License and Registration fees for New SC residents (position pending)

Senate bill 208 is being referred to by many as the “Yankee Tax Bill.” Essentially, the bill would allow counties to put a referendum on the ballot that would charge $250 for new residents to get their Driver’s License. If it passes, it would be in addition to the $250 new residents already pay to register their car in SC. Funds collected can be used for public infrastructure, public education related expenses and green space. This bill received a favorable report out of committee by a vote of 11-6. It was carried over on the floor and is expected to be brought back up for debate in the Senate next week.

We will continue to keep you updated on our advocacy work at the state level. Have a great weekend!