Gov. McMaster to outline 2025 agenda in State of the State address Wednesday
Gov. Henry McMaster gives his State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)
(WCIV) — Gov. Henry McMaster will deliver his annual State of the State address Wednesday night at South Carolina’s State House.
McMaster’s address, slated to begin at 7 p.m., comes after the governor laid out his annual budget on Jan. 13, saying the state will again be operating with a surplus in funding.
The 2025 budget focused on several key themes of his previous addresses to the state, where he championed income tax cuts, teacher pay raises, and investments in critical infrastructure and disaster relief – all of which he will likely address during Wednesday’s speech.
Join me tomorrow night at 7 for my 2025 State of the State Address, where I’ll share my vision for South Carolina’s continued prosperity. Watch it live here: https://t.co/7PayklhWKt pic.twitter.com/oKdk3wq41e
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) January 28, 2025
During the 2024 State of the State address, McMaster used his bully pulpit to attack unions and boast about South Carolina’s growing economy.
“We will fight. All the way to the gates of hell. And we will win this battle,” McMaster vowed in his annual speech to much applause.
McMaster will lay out his 2025 legislative agenda Wednesday night, as Republicans own super majorities in the state Senate and House.
State Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, representing South Carolina’s 45th Senate District, has been chosen to deliver the Democratic rebuttal to McMaster’s upcoming State of the State address.
Matthews, who has served in the South Carolina Senate since 2015, is widely recognized as a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and economic opportunity. Her rebuttal will highlight the Democratic Party’s vision for South Carolina, addressing key issues such as education, healthcare, economic development, and criminal justice reform.
“I am honored to respond on behalf of South Carolina Democrats to Governor McMaster’s State of the State address,” Matthews said. “Our state faces significant challenges, but also great opportunities. I look forward to sharing our vision for building a more equitable and prosperous South Carolina for all.”
