McMaster proposes $500m executive budget, pushes for nurses and officers in every school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Governor Henry McMaster unveiled his proposed executive budget for FY 2021-2022 on Friday, allocating a portion of the $500 million towards classroom resources and school nurses.

"South Carolina has to be known as a place where education is of utmost importance and we are going to continue to do that," said McMaster.

The governor has announced he'd like $35 million to fund all classroom needs, including increasing teacher step salaries that had been suspended due to the pandemic.

"Once again, I'm proposing that we invest $48 million to expand access to full-day kindergarten for every low-income four-year-old child in the state," said McMaster.

During the news conference, the governor has reassured that all districts have the resources to open schools five days a week for in-person learning.

Through his proposed budget, he also announced he'd be pushing for school resources officers to be available in every school statewide.

"In addition, this budget provides the necessary funding to place a school nurse in every school in the state and it provides every school with access to a mental health counselor," said McMaster.

While officials announced that the state's $1.9 billion surplus has run low due to the state's coronavirus response, they believe the proposed $500 million would assist the Palmetto State in better preparing for what's to come this year.

Also listed in the FY 2021-2022 Executive Budget:

• Small Business Grant Program: Additional $123 million in state funds for small business grants administered by the S.C. Department of Commerce
• Commitment to Public Charter Schools: With 25% increase in 2020 student enrollment, proposal of $25 million to follow students to their new schools
• Access to Higher Education: $60 million for those who qualify for federal needs-based financial aid, to receive assistance to attend any in-state public college, university or technical college. Students at private, independent and historically black colleges and universities proposed to receive additional $20 million for tuition grants and other forms of assistance
• Workforce Training and Development: Additional $60 million for high-demand jobs skills training
• Broadband Expansion: $30 million for the Office of Regulatory Staff to increase broadband availability, with a focus on providing assistance in rural communities
• Commitment to Law Enforcement: More than $13 million in new dollars to law enforcement, public safety and first response agencies for recruitment and retention
• No State Income Taxes on Retirement Pay for Military and First Responders: "Our state’s military installations are at risk, like all others. It is past time for the General Assembly to act on this issue."
  

"Finally, I would once again encourage the General Assembly to end the practice of appropriating to agencies undisclosed 'pork barrel' earmarks in the budget that are shielded from public view, debate and scrutiny. No matter how deserving the project, the practice itself undermines the public’s trust and confidence in their government. The General Assembly’s continuous overriding of vetoes of successive governors, including this one, further exacerbates this distrust," said McMaster.

Click here to see the full Executive Budget.