Teacher, state workers get raise in $9B budget passed in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Lawmakers have approved South Carolina’s $9 billion budget that includes raises for teachers and almost all state employees.

The budget approved Tuesday by the House and the Senate gives $160 million to raises for teachers. It also has a 2% raise for all state employees as well as a $500 bonus for state workers who make less than $50,000.

The spending plan sets aside the $61 million state income tax windfall from South Carolina’s $1.5 billion Mega Millions lottery jackpot winner to pay a $50 rebate on each income tax return. It will cost about $700,000 to mail those checks.

Money is also set aside for farmers and new voting machines.

The budget heads to Gov. Henry McMaster. He has a line item veto, but legislative leaders expect few vetoes.