News Room

State Budget Passes House - White helps create budget that earns unanimous approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2008

State Budget Passes House
White helps create budget that earns unanimous approval

(Columbia, SC) -- Today, by the largest unanimous vote on a budget in state history, the House voted to approve the fiscal year 2008-2009 spending plan.

This year's state budget cuts government growth by 4 1/2 percent compared to last year's budget. Since Republicans have been writing the state budget, government growth has been held to an average of 4 percent a year.

"When we drafted this year's budget in the House Ways and Means Committee, we were able to identify ways to cut government spending instead of raising taxes," said Rep. Brian White, who chairs the Ways and Means subcommittee on Legislative, Executive and Local Government. "Most importantly, we were able to keep our priorities clearly in focus. This budget fully funds education and healthcare to improve the quality of life for South Carolinians."

"In the midst of a nation-wide economic slow down, the House rejected efforts to raise taxes and instead funded key areas of government while cutting others," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. "I am pleased to see the House pass a budget that addresses our state's educational priorities, our health care concerns, and focuses on key economic development tools needed to grow our state's economy."

The $7.2 billion budget fully funds public schools and college scholarships, gives state employees a pay raise, fully funds healthcare, reduces the number of annualizations, and increases the number of troopers patrolling South Carolina's roads.

"This budget cuts government while still funding our highest priorities," said House Ways and Means Committee Chair Dan Cooper. "We start the budget process months in advance and every dollar we spend is scrutinized at many levels. This is a good budget that meets the needs of our state while still holding true to conservative principles."

The budget now heads to the Senate and a final state budget should be completed in May or June.

To view this year's, budget, visit http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/appropriations2008/wm08ndx.htm