Week 10 Legislative Update '23

Scout's Investment into South Carolina:

On Thursday, I voted in favor of the economic incentive package that will bring Scout Motors to our state. This joint resolution will now go to Governor McMaster to sign into law and make our partnership with Scout official. Passing this legislation will ensure the site, infrastructure, and workforce are ready for Scout Motors in 2026 when production is expected to begin. Scout Motors is a U.S. EV manufacturer backed by Volkswagen who is establishing their first manufacturing plant in Blythewood. The manufacturing plant will build all-electric, next generation trucks and rugged SUVs harkening back to the iconic Scout vehicles produced from 1960-1980. 
 
Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey laid out the details to my colleagues and me about why Scout chose South Carolina - our committed workforce potential and our business-friendly environment. This location provides Scout an unparalleled transportation opportunity - from our highways, airports, seaports, and railways. We are also a top 5 state for the concentration of material engineers, assemblers and fabricators, multiple machine tool setters, and machinists. 
 
The economic impact of Scout Motors is estimated to be $15.3 billion by 2029 with a start of a $4 billion investment and 8,000 jobs over the course of 2 phases. South Carolina will invest $1.291 billion for the following: 

• Construction of a new I-77 interchange, construction of a railroad bridge over I-77, water and wastewater infrastructure, and mass grading and wetlands mitigation
• Acquire property to connect to the Class I rail mainline
• Build a training center publicly owned by Midlands Technical College to train South Carolinians for employment with Scout Motors

Paving the Way for Resilient Infrastructure:

We live in one of the fastest growing states in the nation, yet our roads and bridges are crumbling and traffic congestion seems like it’s at every corner. This year’s state budget will continue our financial investment in our roads and bridges. These investments will help South Carolina handle our increasing population growth and position the state for additional economic development. We have allocated $450 million in non-recurring funds to fix our current roads and bridges as well as fund new roads, new bridges, and to invest in solutions to combat traffic congestion. This budget provides for:

• $250 million in local and secondary road projects 
• Accelerating the repair or replacement of bridges 
• $7 million to the Rural Infrastructure Authority to improve public water and sewer utilities

The Two R's: Recruitment & Retention:

South Carolina is seeing staffing shortages across the state, particularly in the healthcare and law enforcement fields. After conducting compensation studies and working with Governor Henry McMaster’s office, the S.C. House is passing a budget that increases salaries for state employees, law enforcement officers and teachers. It is imperative we provide resources to the next generation so we can develop students and job seekers who will join our workforce in the coming years. This budget provides for:

• Law and Order: Not only do I want to ensure our law enforcement officers have the training and resources they need to keep your family and themselves safe, but I also want to ensure that our schools are safe by investing in training and resources for our school resource officers
  • Raises new base salary to $50,000 for law enforcement officers
  • Hiring additional 188 School Resources Officers
  • Hands on training for School Resources Officers at newly funded Center for School Safety & Targeted Violence
• State Employees: 
  • Increase in salary for ALL state employees 
  • Additional funds to cover increased costs of health insurance 

Collaboration and Transformation in Public Education:

Through collaboration with Governor Henry McMaster and Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, there will be a transformative investment in education. Teachers prepare our next generation, which is why we are increasing starting and existing salaries. To ensure our students are prepared for the workforce, we are investing in our students by addressing literacy and learning loss. My goal is to not only create a safe learning environment, but create a learning environment that allows students and parents to have a voice and a choice. This budget provides for:

Investing in Higher Education and Tech Schools:

Economic & Workforce Development:

To ensure our State is competitive in attracting new businesses and maintaining the ones we have, we have to address our workforce needs and continue to invest in our State’s economic development infrastructure. This budget provides for:

• Address Critical Workforce Needs by funding scholarship programs, training equipment, and grants for small businesses 
• Provides for mitigation planning and responses in the Disaster Relief and Resilience Reserve 
• Incentives for in-state agriculture investments

Reducing Taxes and Increasing Reserves:

Part of being fiscally conservative is my commitment to reducing taxes and preparing for potential uncertain times of economic downturn. We have a legacy of reducing taxes in South Carolina and this budget will provide ongoing tax relief by further cutting property and personal income tax. As our nation is facing unprecedented times, it is important that South Carolina is prepared for whatever economic conditions. This budget provides for:

• $134 million in property tax cuts 
• $96 million in personal income tax cuts
• $1 billion in the general & capital rainy day funds

Prepared in Mind and Resources:

Military-Friendly as Ever: