McMaster Proposes Budget Prioritizing Education And Infrastructure
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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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2022: First Steps program expanded, later driving enrollment growth.
- 2. Q1 2025: Bureau of Economic Analysis reported South Carolina as the top-growing state.
- 3. 2025: State announces $9.12 billion in capital investments and 8,100 jobs (Jan. 14, 2026 report referencing 2025 results).
- 4. Jan. 12, 2026: Gov. McMaster presents 2026 executive budget with proposals for roads, education, and reserves.
- 5. Mid-Jan 2026: South Carolina House and Senate begin budget deliberations; differences with the governor's proposals expected.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
