Inside Clemson

Senate passes state budget

The South Carolina Senate completed its work on the state budget on May 15.

The Senate adopted the recommendations of the Senate Finance Committee’s version of the budget as it relates to Clemson University. Specifically, it includes the following:

Clemson E&G

  • $1 million in recurring funding for student career opportunity programs (on-campus internships)
  • $400,000 in recurring funding for Focus on Student Success (increasing four-year graduation rates)
  • $1.6 million in nonrecurring funding for critical electrical upgrades

Clemson PSA

  • $750,000 in recurring funding for the Agribusiness and Emerging Farmers Extension program
  • $750,000 in recurring funding for precision agriculture and environmental technology research
  • $3 million in nonrecurring funding for agriculture and natural resources research equipment

This version of the budget funded additional dollars for critical equipment repair and replacement for higher education institutions. Each institution’s specific allocation will be distributed on a pro rata basis and will require match dollars.

Also included is a 1.5 percent cost of living pay increase for state employees as well as a $300 bonus for each state employee.

The budget includes an increase in the cost of health insurance for state employees, which will be paid by the state.  Under this plan, state employees would see a small co-pay increase.

The budget now goes to back to the South Carolina House of Representatives and then to a conference committee which will negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions.