Gov. McMaster makes SC budget requests ahead of legislative session

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Ahead of the start of Tuesday’s legislative session, Governor Henry McMaster released his executive for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This budget includes investing millions of dollars in a variety of areas.

In 2024, South Carolina enjoyed its 3rd best year in state history for investment and the Palmetto State’s economy created an almost $2 billion budget surplus. While the state has enjoyed investment and a growing population in recent years, it has also put strain on some of the state’s resources such as power grids and interstates.

In addition to investing in power and roads, the governor asks lawmakers to drop the state income tax to 6 percent, putting almost $200 million back into the pockets of South Carolina taxpayers.

McMaster also wants to see the minimum teacher salary in the state to be raised to $50,000 as quickly as possible.

Alongside all the budget requests, the governor also wants to allow lottery tickets in South Carolina to be bought with a debit card. South Carolina is currently one of three states that requires lottery tickets to be purchased with cash.

South Carolina’s legislative session kicks off Tuesday morning at the statehouse.