End of Session Legislative Report: Investing in the Future of South Carolina

End of Session Legislative Report: Investing in the Future of South Carolina

Senator Kevin L. Johnson, District 36 – Clarendon, Darlington, Florence, and Sumter

In June, the General Assembly reconvened to pass the state’s budget. H. 5100, South Carolina’s General Appropriations bill for the Fiscal Year of 2023-2024, provides funding for needed projects, state agencies, and community improvements. The budget, as adopted on June 26: 

• Provides Income Tax Relief to citizens in the amount of $1 Billion annually.  
• Invests in the State’s Workforce by providing $1,125 or 2.25% Pay Increase for all State Employees - whichever is greater - and fully funds the State Employee Health Plan with no premium increase.  
• Provides for major Infrastructure Improvements across the state, including:  
  • $200 Million for Bridge Repair,  
  • $200 Million for County Transportation Committees, 
  • $117.4 Million for the Rural Road Safety Program, and
  • $42.4 Million to the Rural Infrastructure Authority for water and sewer projects throughout the state.  
• Ensures our Heroes Have Dignity by fully funding both the capital and operating expenses for the state’s Veterans’ Nursing Homes.  

The budget also focuses on a Healthy and Safe South Carolina, by funding:  

• $15 Million to prepare our Healthcare Workforce of the future at MUSC and HHS.  
• An $18 Million investment at DSS to Protect our Children
• $28 Million at the Department of Corrections including funding for cell phone interdiction
• A $29 Million investment in the Department of Juvenile Justice

The budget ensures our students’ future will be bright:  

• Increases State Aid to Classrooms by $201 Million. 
• Raises Starting Teacher Pay to $47,000 from $42,500.  
• Fully funds the Merit-Based State Scholarships
• Provides $115 Million to our State Technical Colleges for capital improvements and $94 Million to Fund the SC WINS Program for technical college students.  
• Fully funds the capital needs for both the Clemson School of Veterinary Sciences and the USC School of Medicine.  

New Laws Enacted in 2024  

Act 137, the Captain Robert Johnson Act, creating a new felony offense of unlawful possession of a telecommunications device by an inmate of the Department of Corrections, a measure designed to keep the public safer by helping prevent crimes orchestrated by incarcerated individuals.  

Act 128, the Seizure Safe Schools Act, requiring public schools to train their staff in recognizing signs of a seizure and how to respond and requiring a written seizure safety plan be in place for every eligible student.  

Act 131, Eliminating the Sales Tax on feminine products, recognizing these items as a basic necessity and removing that extra financial burden for women.  

Act 189, the Professional Counseling Compact Act, allowing licensed professional counselors from other states that have also joined the Compact to quickly obtain the ability to practice in South Carolina, expanding access to much-needed mental health services in our state. 

Working for You  

This year, I secured project funding for my constituents, including support for the Clarendon Behavioral Health Services facilities expansion as well as the Sumter County Building renovation.  

I introduced S.135 to close the healthcare gap in our state for working individuals and families so that healthcare can be affordable for all pursuant of a clean bill of health. Further, I obtained the passage of S.738 supporting Clarendon County School District.  

I am also the sponsor of S. 1176 which would provide Clarendon County School District property tax relief for an additional twenty years.  

I look forward to continuing to support legislation that betters our communities when the Senate reconvenes in January.  

Contact Me  

My priority as your representative will always be to serve your best interests. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any matter that is important to you. You can reach me at the email address listed below:

Senator Kevin L. Johnson  

613 Gressette Building  

Columbia, South Carolina 29201  

KevinJohnson@scsenate.gov  

(803) 212-6056