Gov. Haley Expects $400 Million New Revenue

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Tuesday, Governor Nikki Haley announced she expects the the Board of Economic Advisors will add $400 million in additional revenue to the state’s budget from additional tax revenue and economic growth. “I will tell you that we didn’t get to this point by just throwing money out, we got to this point by being smart,” said Governor Haley. The Governor called on lawmakers to prioritize the additional revenue, with 3 key items on her agenda; give it back to the taxpayers, pay off debt or put it towards the state’s crippling infrastructure. “There’s been a huge conversation all year about roads, there’s been a huge conversation from the people saying do it now,” said Governor Haley. “This is $400 million, if roads are that urgent wouldn’t that be the immediate need?” For several months, lawmakers have debated the right solution for fixing the state’s roads and bridges. On Tuesday, republicans echoed the Governor in support of using the new money towards our state’s infrastructure. “Why in the face of all the rhetoric you’ve heard, all the people demanding the $700 million dollar tax increase for our roads and bridges, would you then be opposed to spending $400 million on roads and bridges?” said Senator Tom Davis. While in support of using the money towards roads, some Democrats said it’s not a long-term solution and some of the money should go towards other projects like assisting local governments. “We can’t just take all the money and say we’re going to pour it into roads and that fixes the roads problem and leave other important core services underfunded,” said Senator Joel Lourie. “I think we have to be deliberate about how to wisely spend those dollars.” The Governor said she would support the use of the money for any of the three priorities she listed. The Board of Economic Advisors is expected to meet on Friday to confirm the exact amount of additional revenue.