SC House votes to study state employee salaries

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has approved studying state employees’ salaries, with legislators of both parties saying some are paid far too little.

The House voted 89-12 Wednesday on a budget amendment spending up to $300,000 for the first such study in 20 years.

Republican Rep. Mike Pitts of Laurens says state law enforcement agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to fill positions, particularly since officers can often make more money going to local agencies. For example, highway troopers start out making $31,000 yearly, while probation officers who are required to hold a college degree start at $26,000.

The study would include what employees are paid across the Southeast in similar public and private-sector jobs.

The amendment requires a report by January, to include costs and recommended steps for increasing pay.