SCAPA Legislative Update - January 2023

Submitted by Sunnie Harmon and John DeWorken, LobbySC

Governor Henry McMaster Sworn in

The Honorable Henry McMaster was sworn in again as the Governor of South Carolina. When he departs in four years, he will be the longest serving Governor in South Carolina’s history. Other Constitutional Officers were sworn in, as well, including newcomer Ellen Weaver, who will serve as the State’s Superintendent of Education. To read Governor McMaster comments at his inaugural address, click here.

SC Dept. of Commerce, Rural Infrastructure Authority Funding Advances

The House Ways and Means passed H. 3604 to the full House, which directs $500m to the Department of Commerce for infrastructure funding related to qualified projects previously authorized by the Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC) during FY2022/23. The bill also allows the Department of Commerce to identify and recommend potential projects for any remaining funds.

Moreover, the bill authorizes $586m in ARPA funds to be allocated to RIA’s sewer and water account. It requires $86m of the allocation be available for projects that are economically significant as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.

House Announces Furloughs

The House this week scheduled tentative furlough the weeks of March 20 and April 10. There are 18 weeks in the Legislative Session with Sine Die on May 11.

Governor McMaster releases his Executive Budget

The following are some of the highlights of his budget. It can be read by clicking here.

South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)

$550 million for bridge infrastructure
$300 million for I-73
$2 million for litter control for off-interstate roadways

South Carolina Department of Commerce

500 million in non-recurring funds for economic development projects
$200 million to develop industrial megasites
$51 million to repay an interagency loan to Palmetto Railways to ensure the Navy Base Intermodal Facility project moves forward
$20 million for local economic development grants
$3.7 million for the state’s Closing Fund
$1.5 million for strategic marketing purposes

South Carolina Department of Agriculture