THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Senator Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington) was honored by the Senate for his service to the people and state of South Carolina and for becoming the longest serving state senator currently holding office in the United States.
Senator Setzler has served in the South Carolina Senate since 1977. In 2017, Senator Setzler received the Clemson University Board of Visitors Legislative Leadership award in recognition of his commitment public higher education and agribusiness in our state.
The Senate continued floor debate on S.39 (SC Education Scholarship Trust Fund).
Governor Henry McMaster delivered his State of the State address on Wednesday, January 25. The prepared text of the Governor’s address may be found here.
The State Budget Process
The House Ways and Means Committee (where the appropriations bill originates) held agency budget subcommittee hearings last week and will continue this process through January.
Among the public higher education institutions making their budget presentations last week were the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.
House Ways and Means Subcommittees that hear Clemson’s budget requests
Higher Education Subcommittee:
Chairman Nathan Ballentine (R-Richland, Lexington)
Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg)
Representative Bill Taylor (R-Aiken)
Economic Development and Natural Resources Subcommittee:
Chairman Leon Stavrinakis (D-Charleston)
Representative David Weeks (D-Sumter)
Representative Max Hyde (R-Spartanburg)
From a state budgeting standpoint, Clemson is considered two separate state agencies: a research university that receives an educational and general (E&G) state appropriation for teaching and student support, and a land-grant Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) division that receives a state appropriation to support agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension, research and regulatory programs.
The university also has auxiliary operations, such as athletics, student housing and dining services, which receive no state funding and must generate all of their own revenue.
Detailed information on Clemson’s state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2023-24 may be found at these links:
Clemson Education and General (E&G) Priorities
Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) Priorities
BILLS OF INTEREST
The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill’s current status.
NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.