Year: 2024

BUDGET
Today, Governor Henry McMaster issued his vetoes for the state budget.

There are no vetoes specific to Clemson University’s legislative priorities.  

As a recap, the state budget for FY2024-25 contains the following for Clemson University and Clemson PSA:

Clemson E&G
–      $12.6 million in recurring funding for in state tuition mitigation
–      $4.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Student Experiential Learning
–      $175 million for the College of Veterinary Medicine ($125M in nonrecurring funding and an $8M recurring line to be used for debt service of the remaining $50M)

Clemson PSA
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for the Poultry Science Research Facility
–      $2M in recurring funding for Statewide Operational and Program Support
–      $500,000 in recurring funding for Problematic Wildlife
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for Small Fruit Research and Extension
–      $1M in nonrecurring funding for PSA Renovation, Repair and Equipment

A 2.25% base pay increase for state employees earning more than $50K/year and a base increase of $1125 for state employees earning less than $50K/year. The proviso language that allows flexibility to reward based on merit remains in the bill.

The budget includes an increase in the cost of health insurance contributions for state employees and employers, The state will pay for the employee and the university will be responsible for the employer portion.

The budget contains several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University:

–      $20 million in ($5 million in recurring, $10 million in nonrecurring and $5 million in the Capital Reserve Fund) funding for SC Nexus
–      $10 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools
–      $3.5 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the College Transition Programs (ClemsonLIFE), which provide scholarships for South Carolina residents with intellectual disabilities to complete a postsecondary education program, which includes academic coursework and career exploration, thereby preparing them for independent living and employment.

BILLS OF INTEREST
Today, Governor McMaster signed S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects) into law.

The bill accomplishes the following:
–      Increases the permanent improvement threshold from $5M to $10M. This allows projects of $10M or less to be approved by the Board of Trustees only.
–      Increase the Athletic Revenue Bond cap from $200M to $500M.
–      Removes the Commission on Higher Education from the approval process for ALL capital projects.

Thank you for your service on behalf of Clemson University. Every day, we are reminded of how special the Clemson family is. Your commitment to advocacy on Clemson’s behalf is a tremendous contribution to our success.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
In accordance with state law, the General Assembly adjourned sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, May 9. Per the terms of the sine die resolution, the House and Senate may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two-year session, bills that did not pass this session died at the close of the session.

The House non concurred in the Senate amendments to S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects). The bill now goes to a Conference Committee to negotiate the differences in each version. The Conferees are: Senators Harvey Peeler, Scott Talley, and Nikki Setzler and Representatives Nathan Ballentine, Gilda Cobb-Hunter, and Bill Taylor.

This is a bill that raises the thresholds for permanent improvement projects and gives regulatory relief to higher education institutions in certain facility improvement processes.

The House non concurred in the Senate amendments to H.5118 (SC 10 Year Energy Transformation Act).  The bill now goes to a Conference Committee. The Conferees are: Senators Luke Rankin, Shane Massey, and Brad Hutto and Representatives Jay West, Bill Sandifer, and Russell Ott.

House concurred in the Senate amendments to H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness). The bill now goes to the Governor’s Office for his signature.

THE STATE BUDGET

The House amended the budget back to its original (with a few exceptions) version. The Senate nonconcurred in the House amendments so now the bill goes to conference committee.

The budget conferees are: Senators Harvey Peeler, Nikki Setzler, and Sean Bennett and Representatives Bruce Bannister, Philip Lowe, and Leon Stavrinakis. It is expected that the Conference Committee will meet during the month of May to negotiate the differences between the House and Senate versions.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
There are three days remaining in the legislative session. By law, the General Assembly must adjourn sine die at 5 o’clock on Thursday, May 9 but may return to finish work on the budget or other items agreed upon by both bodies. Since this is the second year of a two-year session, bills that did not pass this session will die at the close of the session.

S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects) was passed as amended in a 104-0 vote by the House. The bill now goes back to the Senate. If the Senate votes to non-concur in the House amendments, a conference committee will be appointed to negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions.

This is a bill that codifies the thresholds for permanent improvement projects and gives regulatory relief to higher education institutions in certain facility improvement processes.

H.5118 (Electrical Utilities, Electricity Regulation, and Economic Development) was passed favorably as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill is on the contested calendar in the Senate.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) is in interrupted debate in the Senate.

THE STATE BUDGET
The House is expected to take up the Senate’s amendments to the budget this week. If the House votes to non-concur in the Senate amendments, a conference committee will be appointed to negotiate the differences in the House and Senate versions.

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
There are six days remaining in the legislative session.

S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects) was passed favorably as amended in a 23-0 vote by the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill now goes to the House floor. This is a bill that codifies the thresholds for permanent improvement projects and gives regulatory relief to higher education institutions in certain facility improvement processes.  The Committee amendment would remove CHE from the approval process and the thresholds will be increased to $10M for research universities.  The Committee amendment also contemplates removal of the $200M athletics revenue bond cap for athletics projects.

H.5118 (Electrical Utilities, Electricity Regulation, and Economic Development) was passed favorably as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill is on the contested calendar in the Senate.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) was debated by the Senate and given second reading with amendments being carried over to third reading.

H.4289 (Diversity Statements and Mandatory DEI Training) is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

THE STATE BUDGET
On Wednesday, the Senate completed its work on the FY24-25 state budget.  The Senate version of the budget includes the following specifically for Clemson University and Clemson PSA:

Clemson E&G
–      $12.6 million in recurring funding for in state tuition mitigation (CU requested $21 million) (House recommended $10.2 million) The Senate deleted a proviso allowing flexibility to institutions to raise tuition up to 2%
–      $4.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Student Experiential Learning (CU requested $4.5 million) (House recommended $3.5 million)
–      $175 million in nonrecurring funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CU requested $175 million) (House recommended $22 million)

The Senate adopted a proviso stating that no state appropriations could be used to pay outside legal fees, exit fees, or entrance fees associated directly with athletics conference affiliations.

Clemson PSA
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for the Poultry Science Research Facility (CU requested $525,000) (House recommendation same as Senate)
–      $2.5M in recurring (and *$1 in nonrecurring) funding for Statewide Operational and Program Support (CU requested $3.6 million) (House recommended $2.5 million in nonrecurring funding)
–      $500,000 in recurring funding for Problematic Wildlife (CU requested $1.7 million) (House recommended $0)
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for Small Fruit Research and Extension (CU requested $525,000) (House recommended $0)
–      *$1 in nonrecurring funding for PSA Renovation, Repair and Equipment (CU requested $12 million) (House recommended $2.5 million)

*amount reflects a placeholder to allow for negotiations with the House

A 2.75% base pay increase for all state employees. The proviso language that allows flexibility to reward based on merit remains in the bill.  The House included a base pay increase for state employees ($1,000 for FTEs $66,667 and under; 1.5% increase for FTEs over $66,667).

The Senate’s version of the budget includes an increase in the cost of health insurance contributions for state employees and employers, The state will pay for the employee and the university will be responsible for the employer portion.

The Senate included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University:

–      $10 million in ($5 million in recurring and $5 million in nonrecurring) funding for SC Nexus (House recommended $50 million)
–      $10 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools
–      $3.5 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the College Transition Programs (ClemsonLIFE), which provide scholarships for South Carolina residents with intellectual disabilities to complete a postsecondary education program, which includes academic coursework and career exploration, thereby preparing them for independent living and employment (House did not recommend funding)

The budget now returns to the House, at which time the House will consider the Senate amendments and offer additional amendments. Traditionally, the budget goes to a conference committee where three House Members and three Senators negotiate details of the final budget.

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
There are nine days remaining in the legislative session.

S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects) was carried over by the House Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee. The Subcommittee is expected to resume work on the bill this week.

H.5118 (Electrical Utilities, Electricity Regulation, and Economic Development) was passed favorably as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill is on the contested calendar in the Senate.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

H.4289 (Diversity Statements and Mandatory DEI Training) is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

THE STATE BUDGET
The Senate will begin debate on the state budget tomorrow.  As a reminder, the Senate Finance Committee’s specific budget recommendations impacting Clemson are as follows:

Clemson E&G
–      $12.6 million in recurring funding for in state tuition mitigation (House recommended $10.2 million)
–      $4.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Student Experiential Learning (House recommended $3.5 million)
–      $175 million in nonrecurring funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine (House recommended $22 million)

Clemson PSA
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for the Poultry Science Research Facility (Same as the House)
–      $2.5M in recurring (and *$1 in nonrecurring) funding for Statewide Operational and Program Support (House recommended $2.5 million in nonrecurring funding)
–      $500,000 in recurring funding for Problematic Wildlife (House did not recommend funding)
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for Small Fruit Research and Extension (House did not recommend funding)
–      *$1 in nonrecurring funding for PSA Renovation, Repair and Equipment (House recommended $2.5 million) *amount reflects a placeholder to allow for negotiations with the House
–      A 2.75% base pay increase for all state employees. The proviso language that allows flexibility to reward based on merit remains in the bill.  The House included a base pay increase for state employees ($1,000 for FTEs $66,667 and under; 1.5% increase for FTEs over $66,667).
–      The Senate Finance Committee’s version of the budget covers state health plan contributions for state employees, retirees and employers.

The Senate Finance Committee also included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University:
–      $10 million in ($5 million in recurring and $5 million in nonrecurring) funding for SC Nexus (House recommended $50 million)
–      $10 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools
–      $3.5 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the College Transitions Programs (ClemsonLIFE), which provide scholarships for South Carolina residents with intellectual disabilities to complete a postsecondary education program, which includes academic coursework and career exploration, thereby preparing them for independent living and employment (House did not recommend funding)

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
There are twelve days remaining in the legislative session.

Last week marked the General Assembly’s crossover deadline. After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote by members present and voting to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on May 9.

S.314 (Higher Education Permanent Improvement Projects) is scheduled for a hearing in the House Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee on Thursday, April 18.

H.5118 (Electrical Utilities, Electricity Regulation, and Economic Development) was passed favorably as amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

H.4289 (Diversity Statements and Mandatory DEI Training) is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

THE STATE BUDGET
The Senate Finance Committee completed its work on the state budget on Wednesday, April 10.  The specific budget recommendations impacting Clemson are as follows:

Clemson E&G
–      $12.6 million in recurring funding for in state tuition mitigation (House recommended $10.2 million)
–      $4.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Student Experiential Learning (House recommended $3.5 million)
–      $175 million in nonrecurring funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine (House recommended $22 million)

Clemson PSA
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for the Poultry Science Research Facility (Same as the House)
–      $2.5M in recurring (and *$1 in nonrecurring) funding for Statewide Operational and Program Support (House recommended $2.5 million in nonrecurring funding)
–      $500,000 in recurring funding for Problematic Wildlife (House did not recommend funding)
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for Small Fruit Research and Extension (House did not recommend funding)
–      *$1 in nonrecurring funding for PSA Renovation, Repair and Equipment (House recommended $2.5 million)
*amount reflects a placeholder to allow for negotiations with the House
–      A 2.75% base pay increase for all state employees. The proviso language that allows flexibility to reward based on merit remains in the bill.  The House included a base pay increase for state employees ($1,000 for FTEs $66,667 and under; 1.5% increase for FTEs over $66,667).
–      The Senate Finance Committee’s version of the budget covers state health plan contributions for state employees, retirees and employers.

The Senate Finance Committee also included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University:

–      $10 million in ($5 million in recurring and $5 million in nonrecurring) funding for SC Nexus (House recommended $50 million)
–      $10 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools
–      $3.5 million in nonrecurring lottery dollars for the College Transitions Programs (ClemsonLIFE), which provide scholarships for South Carolina residents with intellectual disabilities to complete a postsecondary education program, which includes academic coursework and career exploration, thereby preparing them for independent living and employment (House did not recommend funding)

The budget now goes to the Senate which is scheduled to debate the bill the week of April 22.

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The House of Representatives was on furlough last week. The House will return in statewide session tomorrow.

The General Assembly’s crossover deadline is April 10. After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote by members present and voting to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on May 9.

H.5118 (Electrical Utilities, Electricity Regulation, and Economic Development) will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

H.4289 (Diversity Statements and Mandatory DEI Training) is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.

THE STATE BUDGET
The full Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to begin deliberating the budget tomorrow.

Clemson’s state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2024-25:

Education & General – Recurring
–      In-State Tuition Mitigation – $21,000,000 (House funded $10.2 million)
–      Student Experiential Learning – $4,500,000 (House funded $3.5 million nonrecurring)
–      Center for Human Genetics – $4,000,000

Education & General – Nonrecurring
–      College of Veterinary Medicine – $175,000,000 (House funded $22 million nonrecurring)
–      E&G Planned Maintenance and Renewal Projects – $29,000,000
–      NextGen Computing Complex – $25,000,000
–      Student Health Facility – $23,000,000

Public Service Activities – Recurring
–      Poultry Science Research Facility Support – $525,000 (fully funded by the House)
–      PSA Statewide Operational and Programmatic Support – $3,600,000 (House funded $2.5 million nonrecurring)
–      Problematic Wildlife Management — $1,725,000
–      Small Fruit Research and Extension – $525,000

Public Service Activities – Nonrecurring
–      PSA Planned Maintenance – $12,170,000 (House funded $2.5 million nonrecurring)
–      Baruch Institute Research Support Building – $9,000,000

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The House of Representatives is on furlough this week.

The General Assembly’s crossover deadline is April 10. After the crossover deadline, bills require a two-thirds vote by members present and voting to even be considered by the other chamber for the session that is set to end on May 9.

H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

H.4289 (Diversity Statements and Mandatory DEI Training) was passed by the House and sent to the Senate. Clemson provided testimony on the bill in subcommittee.

THE STATE BUDGET
The Senate Finance Committee continued holding agency budget subcommittee hearings. The full Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to deliberate the budget next week.

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.

NEWS AND FYI

Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

THE STATE BUDGET
The Senate Finance Committee continued holding agency budget subcommittee hearings. Dr. Greg Yarrow, Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences delivered Clemson PSA’s budget presentation on Thursday before the Natural Resources and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. Members of the subcommittee include:

Chairman Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington)
Senator Kent Williams (D-Marion)
Senator Tom Corbin Clemson ’87 (R-Greenville)
Senator Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington)
Senator Mike Gambrell Clemson ’80 (R-Anderson)

The full Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to deliberate the budget the week of April 8.

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.

NEWS AND FYI

Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
H.4957 (Name, Image and Likeness) remains on the Senate calendar for second reading.

THE STATE BUDGET
The House of Representatives completed its work on the budget on Wednesday, March 13. The House version reflects no changes from the Ways and Means budget. The specific budget recommendations impacting Clemson are as follows:

Clemson E&G
–      $10.2 million in recurring funding for in state tuition mitigation
–      $3.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Student Experiential Learning
–      $22 million in nonrecurring funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine

Clemson PSA
–      $525,000 in recurring funding for the Poultry Science Research Facility
–      $2.5 million in nonrecurring funding for Statewide Program Support
–      $2.5 million in nonrecurring funding for PSA Renovation, Repair and Equipment

The House included a base pay increase for state employees ($1,000 for FTEs $66,667 and under; 1.5% increase for FTEs over $66,667). The proviso language that allows flexibility to reward based on merit remains in the bill.

The House budget includes an increase in the cost of health insurance for state employees and employers.  The employee portion will be paid by the state. The employer portion will have to be covered partially by the university.

The House also included several items from the Executive Budget of impact to the University:

–      $50 million in nonrecurring funding for SC Nexus
–      $3 million in nonrecurring funding for a systematic review of higher ed (sustainability, accessibility & affordability) by Education Oversight Committee
–      $10 million in recurring lottery dollars for the continuation of the initiative to address the shortage of instructors in nursing schools
–      $210 million in recurring lottery dollars for LIFE scholarships, $63 million lottery dollars for Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, and $12 million lottery dollars for HOPE scholarships
–      $80 million in recurring lottery dollars for need based grants (CHE)

The Senate Finance Committee continued agency budget subcommittee hearings last week. Clemson PSA’s budget hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 21.

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.

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.

NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.