SC Supreme Court Halts Lawmaker Pay Raise as Wilson Launches Gubernatorial Campaign, Economic Development Surges

South Carolina’s political landscape is stirring with headlines as the state Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on a controversial in-district pay raise for lawmakers, blocking the measure just as it was set to take effect with the new budget. This judicial intervention comes on the heels of criticism from good-government advocates who argue that transparency and accountability should guide legislative compensation decisions, as reported by South Carolina Public Radio and FitsNews. Meanwhile, the state legislature wrapped up its first regular session of the 126th General Assembly earlier in May, marking significant policy discussions that will continue through next year as bills move through both chambers before facing the governor’s pen, according to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

On the gubernatorial front, Attorney General Alan Wilson has officially launched his bid for governor, promising to abolish the state income tax and usher in broad reforms intended to root out waste and inefficiency within state government. This announcement has sparked early campaign rhetoric, including pointed criticism from Representative Nancy Mace, who is also considering a run and has questioned Wilson’s record on child protection cases, as detailed by Fox News.

Turning to business and the economy, Governor Henry McMaster announced Barnwell Tissue Solutions will establish operations in Barnwell County, which is expected to create local jobs and stimulate economic activity. At the same time, infrastructure remains a priority as McMaster has issued an executive order to expedite replacement of the I-20 overpass bridge in Aiken County, highlighting ongoing investments in the state’s transportation network, as seen on the governor’s official news feed.

South Carolina’s communities were recently recognized for their commitment to public safety, with Moultrie News reporting that 25 law enforcement agencies and 52 first responders—such as those affiliated with the College of Charleston—were honored for heroic actions. Education is also in the spotlight, as the College of Charleston continues to receive national attention for faculty research and workforce development programs aimed at preparing graduates for competitive career paths, according to Charleston Today.

In environmental and weather news, Governor McMaster declared May as Hurricane Preparedness Month, underscoring the state’s readiness for the summer storm season, while the South Carolina Emergency Management Division conducted a full-scale exercise to prepare for potential pipeline disruptions during cold snaps. Earlier in the year, wildfires in Pickens County prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency and successfully secure federal assistance, resulting in an ongoing ban on outdoor burning and a coordinated fire management response, as reported by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for developments in the state’s gubernatorial race, closely follow the Legislature’s continued debate over pay and transparency reforms, and stay alert for hurricane updates as the summer season intensifies. Infrastructure investments and business growth are expected to remain front and center, while the state’s public safety and emergency management agencies maintain focus on preparedness.

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