COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – The South Carolina House approved the state’s $ 9.8 billion budget.
The spending plan approved on Tuesday offers small increases for most teachers and some police officers, but not for other state officials. But Republican leaders have promised a bonus or raise for most low-paid employees if somewhat optimistic predictions about the recovery of the state economy from the COVID-19 crisis come true after taxes are collected this spring.
They also say they plan another round of budget negotiations in May or June, if that extra money rolls over.
After a routine vote on Wednesday, the spending plan will go to the Senate.
Bill would repress spills of plastic pellets
COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – South Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation to better regulate companies that pollute state waters with tiny plastic pellets.
A Senate subcommittee introduced a bill on Wednesday to give the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control the power to directly regulate state pelletizing companies, approving licenses and enforcing violations. Pellets are pieces of plastic similar to beads, used to make larger plastic products.
Charleston area residents have complained in recent years of finding pellets obstructing local waterways, as many producers export plastics through the Charleston harbor.
Environmentalists argue that the tiny pellets cause damage to animals, including sea turtles and migratory birds in passing.
Group of senators makes reluctant choice of state flag
COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – A South Carolina Senate committee opted for symmetry rather than a more natural appearance when making a recommendation to standardize the state’s iconic palm heart tree and crescent-shaped flag. But the Family and Veterans Services Committee recognized that the discussion is far from over.
They say it is likely that more bills will be presented as amendments as the bill goes to the Senate floor.
Senators acknowledged that their phones are ringing and that their email inboxes are overloaded with the problem.
Without a standard design, South Carolina often flies a flag over its state house that has a different-looking palm or a slightly different shade of indigo than the banners and in the governor’s office and elsewhere.
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