South Carolina's Economic Resurgence: Rare Earth Investment, Runway Upgrades, and Legislative Showdowns Ahead

South Carolina lawmakers are wrapping up heated Senate debates on tougher DUI laws under S. 52, while the House braces for battles over abortion medications and conflicting hemp bills that could ban or regulate THC products, according to South Carolina Public Radio. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Thomas Limehouse to the State Ports Authority Board, and the Senate passed a bill requiring liability insurance for larger watercraft. In his final State of the State address, McMaster urged raising teacher pay above $50,000, expanding four-year-old kindergarten, and investing $1.1 billion more in infrastructure to combat rising costs on $7 billion in active transportation projects, as reported by WFAE.

Economically, optimism is growing. Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin told business leaders the 2025 economic fog is lifting, revealing a resilient economy. Canada-based Cyclic Materials announced an $82 million facility in McBee creating 90 jobs in rare earth recycling, with state grants approved, per Area Development. Huwell US Inc. selected Cherokee County for its first U.S. cosmetics plant, a $11.6 million investment yielding 25 jobs, according to the Governor's office. Senator Lindsey Graham secured nearly $150 million in federal funds for projects like $25 million for Greenville-Spartanburg Airport runway rehab and $7 million for Clemson veterinary education.

A measles outbreak has reached 876 cases but may be slowing, per CIDRAP and NPR. Recent winter storms prompted a state of emergency on January 21, with hazardous roads lingering into early February, as noted by SCEMD. Community efforts include pushes for charter school reforms, special ed classroom cameras, and small business property tax breaks.

Looking Ahead: Watch for House budget debates the week of March 9, judicial elections on March 4, and candidate filing opening March 16, alongside Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette's economic symposium today.

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