As of the beginning of this month, the SC state budget is in. Out of the ~$30.1 billion in general funds for the fiscal year 2021-2022, here are some of the places that money is going.

Gov. McMaster says $500 million will go into SC’s “rainy day” reserve fund. The budget states that this money is for any future economic uncertainties.

The budget allows for $1,000 pay raises for SC teachers + enough funding to hire a resource officer and nurse at each school. This year, schools will also be given funding to have access to mental health counselors + expand the needs-based 4-year-old kindergarten.

Plus, locally, the budget provides millions of dollars to colleges + universities:

The Citadel — $2,769,529.57
College of Charleston — $7,449,765.42
Medical University of South Carolina — $2,478,184.88
Trident Technical College — $13,453,337.96

There’s also money approved in the budget to freeze college tuition, approx. $40 million to increase the state’s workforce training programs, and additional funds to expand broadband access.

South Carolina will also see about $13 million go towards outdoor public spaces + park projects, $20 million will be alloted to recruit and retain law enforcement officers, and an additional $150 million will be divided up for projects across the state.

Click here if you are curious about how the budget contributes to local tourism.