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.