SC Senate Proposes 4 Percent Pay Raise for State Employees

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina senators plan to propose a 4 percent raise in their version of the state budget.

The Senate Finance Committee discussed the proposal Thursday as they continue to debate the state budget.

The House suggested a 2 percent raise in its budget.

The Senate’s version of the state’s $7.5 billion spending plan has more money to spend because, instead of using current revenues to get more money toward roads, senators are considering borrowing more than $2 billion.

Lawmakers from both chambers also plan cover $28 million worth of rapidly rising health care premiums for state employees.

Columbia Democratic Sen. John Scott says employees deserve the raise after seeing only two raises and a bonus since 2008.

Senators also discussed more money for police body cameras and local governments.