COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina General Assembly passed the 2026-2027, $15 billion state budget. The budget includes around $90 million to raise the starting salary for teachers to over $50,000 and $29 million for an in-state college tuition freeze. Other funds go toward lowering the state income tax, providing property tax relief, a 2% pay raise for state employees, and to fix our roads. Last month, lawmakers missed the deadline which left the state without a finalized spending plan. The budget now heads to Governor McMaster’s desk. Categories: Local News, News, Politics, State Tags: Gov. Henry McMaster, Gov. McMaster, governor henery mcmaster, Governor Henry McMaster, governor mcmaster, henry mcmaster, Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, McMaster, South Carolina, South Carolina General Assembly ...read more read less