POLITICS

McMaster Proposes Budget Prioritizing Education And Infrastructure

PUBLISHED Jan 12, 2026, 4:25 PM ET

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McMaster Proposes Budget Prioritizing Education And Infrastructure

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Sources: 8

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Sources: 8

COLUMBIA, S.C. Governor Henry McMaster unveiled his 2026 executive budget Tuesday, proposing allocations from a reported $2.7 billion surplus for roads, education, and public safety. The package requests more than $1 billion for transportation, $150 million to raise starting teacher pay, expanded pre-K funding and universal school breakfast, and $9.9 million for First Steps. It also proposes a small income-tax cut for highest earners and set-asides for disaster relief and corrections. State economic reports show $9.12 billion in 2025 capital investments and 8,100 announced jobs. Legislative deliberations and changes are expected soon. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022: First Steps program expanded, later driving enrollment growth.
Q1 2025: Bureau of Economic Analysis reported South Carolina as the top-growing state.
2025: State announces $9.12 billion in capital investments and 8,100 jobs (Jan. 14, 2026 report referencing 2025 results).
Jan. 12, 2026: Gov. McMaster presents 2026 executive budget with proposals for roads, education, and reserves.
Mid-Jan 2026: South Carolina House and Senate begin budget deliberations; differences with the governor's proposals expected.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Public school students, early childhood program participants, teachers receiving higher starting pay, and communities receiving transportation and economic development investments will benefit from proposed budget allocations and business recruitment outcomes.

Who Impacted

Taxpayers and budget stakeholders may face trade-offs and adjustments as funds are reallocated to one-time infrastructure spending and expanded services, and some programs or priorities could see delays during legislative negotiations.

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