Legislative Report – March 20th

From The Irmo News and Lake Murray News

This week, I proudly stood with House Republican Caucus members to pass a balanced, fiscally conservative budget — one that cuts taxes, eliminates waste, and invests in the priorities that matter most to South Carolina families.

While Washington, D.C. continues to spend recklessly, we do things differently in South Carolina. We don’t spend money we don’t have, and we prioritize the taxpayers who fund this government — not bureaucrats and special interests.

The 2025-2026 budget is proof of that commitment. It’s a responsible plan that:

• Cuts taxes: $1 billion in direct tax relief, including $800 million in property tax relief & $200 million in income tax cuts.

• Invests in education: raises teacher pay, keeps college tuition low, & expands school safety.

• Improves infrastructure: $200 million for roads & bridges, $20 million for water & sewer improvements.

• Strengthens public safety: supports law enforcement & ensures our communities are safe.

• Prepares for the future: invests in workforce development & keeping spending in check.

This budget isn’t about growing government — it’s about making government work better.

The Truth About Our Budget: Facts Matter

During the debate, some misleading claims were made, suggesting this budget is “growing government.” That’s simply not true.

What’s really growing is South Carolina itself:

• Fastest-growing state in the country.

• $52.8 billion in new capital investments.

• 121,000 new jobs in the last decade.

• 83 percent wage growth over the past 20 years.

Our state is booming because of conservative leadership and responsible budgeting — and we are committed to keeping it that way.

Unlike Washington, this budget is balanced. We didn’t pass phony tax cuts with reckless spending reductions that would bankrupt our state. Instead, we kept our promise to responsibly return money to hardworking families while funding the core services South Carolinians rely on.

Delivering on Our Commitment to Tax Relief

For years, we’ve worked to lower taxes, and this budget delivers more than $1 billion in tax relief — including income tax cuts and property tax reimbursements.

• $200 million in income tax relief — SC families are paying 14 percent less in income taxes than just three years ago.

• $800 million in property tax relief — keeping homeownership affordable.

• $50 billion in tax cuts over the past 30 years — Republicans keep cutting taxes while Washington raises them.

This isn’t just rhetoric — this is real money staying in your pocket.

Smart Investments for a Stronger Future

Beyond tax relief, this budget makes smart, targeted investments to strengthen South Carolina’s economy, infrastructure, and workforce.

Education & Workforce Development

• $1,500 teacher salary increase — putting SC above the Southeastern average.

• $50 million for tuition mitigation — keeping college tuition from increasing for in-state students.

• $342 million in scholarships — for LIFE, HOPE, Palmetto Fellows, and tuition assistance.

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

• $6.3 million for law enforcement pay increases — helping recruit and retain officers.

• $3.7 million for school resource officers — keeping students safe.

• $7.5 million for cell phone interdiction at state prisons — cracking down on criminal activity behind bars.

Infrastructure & Economic Development

• $200 million for roads and bridges — fixing South Carolina’s most critical infrastructure needs.

• $20 million for water & sewer projects — ensuring access to clean water in rural areas.

• $81 million in site readiness funding — bringing more businesses and jobs to South Carolina.

There’s much more you can read on www.nathansnews.com when you have time.

If you currently do not receive my monthly COMMUNITY UPDATE email, please let me know so I can add you to the distribution. Email me at [email protected].

It’s an honor and privilege to serve you and your family in Columbia. When you have advice or questions or need assistance, please call me at home 803-834-4613 or email me at [email protected]. Of course, you can always grab me when you see me around town.

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Source: https://nathansnews.com/2025/03/legislative-report-march-20th/