The budget conference committee met several times over the last week and adopted a budget on Wednesday evening. The state is still operating under a continuing resolution. 

The budget includes all recurring funds, including the 5% increase in the Local Government Fund, along with an increase in the homestead property tax exemption from the first $50,000 of the home’s value to the first $75,000. 

Non-recurring funds intended for earmarks in both the House and Senate versions of the budget will be considered at a later date by a separate recommendation committee. The committee will study both chambers’ earmarks and determine a funding level. 

The House and Senate plan to reconvene in the coming weeks to adopt the budget conference report and a concurrent resolution establishing the recommendation committee referenced above.

The budget conferees are Sens. Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) and Tom Davis (R-Beaufort); and Reps. Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville), David Hiott (R-Pickens) and Jackie Hayes (D-Dillon).

For questions about the budget, contact Daina Phillips (dphillips@masc.sc) at 803.933.1203.