McMaster Wants to Use Budget Surplus on Bridge Repairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Rapid population growth is driving the South Carolina governor to suggest more funding for infrastructure projects as the Southern coastal state seeks to keep pace with an influx of newcomers.
Equipped with a state-record $1.6 billion surplus, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster unveiled his budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year on Friday. State lawmakers have a stronger relationship with the seven-year incumbent than his predecessors, giving some extra weight to McMaster's recommendations when budget writers begin drafting their spending plan.
South Carolina experienced the highest population growth rate of any state last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The governor's office said the boom underscores the need to shore up aging bridges and build on job growth.
With more road travelers expected, McMaster wants to use $500 million in surplus funds to fix around 150 to 200 bridges throughout the state.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation reports that over 1,500 bridges are between 60-70 years old, with more than 470 bridges surpassing 90 years. The governor's office hopes to prevent scenes like the recent two-day closure of a major interstate highway's westbound span across the Wateree River.
The governor also proposed putting $50 million toward expanding commercial airports.
McMaster's budget reaffirms his embrace of the electric vehicle industry. State leaders have courted four major manufacturers, highlighted by last year's announcement that Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors Inc. would build its new $2 billion plant near the state capital of Columbia.
But the governor said the demand for these jobs is outpacing the number of qualified applicants. To ensure that South Carolina workers have the skills to hold those positions, the governor wants $50 million for electric vehicle training in technical colleges.
Columbia reports a growing population of chronically homeless people, and the governor's office said city officials have asked the state to help fund a “compassionate and realistic” pilot program. McMaster suggests allocating $10 million for a one-stop wraparound facility where people could obtain services to combat addictions, receive emergency care and get driver's licenses.
Like the second-term governor's previous requests, the budget is heavy on education spending. McMaster suggested using $250 million to boost starting teacher salaries to a minimum of $45,000. Over $13 million would fund 175 new school resource officers. For the fifth straight year, nearly $50 million would freeze in-state public college tuition.
However, negative enrollment headwinds have triggered a call for a study committee that could overhaul higher education in the state. Citing drops in both the birth rate and the percentage of students pursuing higher education, the governor's office said it's worth looking into consolidating the state's public institutions. McMaster proposed $3 million for national and state experts to examine possibilities such as merging the University of South Carolina Sumter with Central Carolina Technical College, or absorbing Winthrop University into the USC system.
Recent national trends in state tax cuts are expected to slow this year as pandemic-era revenue surges recede. The governor proposed $99 million to slash the income tax rate from 6.4% to 6.3%, as required by a 2022 state law.