South Carolina House nears passage of budget as Republicans argue what government should do

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republicans in the South Carolina House moved closer on Tuesday to passing the state’s $13.2 billion spending plan, including raises for teachers and state employees, $500 million in property tax relief, $200 million for bridges and $100 million to continue long-term income tax cuts.

Support for the 2024-25 fiscal year budget came despite GOP members arguing among themselves about what kinds of things state government should pay for.

“Core government function” was the phrased used often by the the Freedom Caucus, a segment of the House comprised of its most conservative members. They offered proposals that ultimately failed but included taking money away from tuition freezes for universities, the South Carolina Commission for the Arts or consolidating health agencies and instead putting the cash toward roads, the foster care program and other items.

Tuesday continued a long-running debate that’s seen the Freedom Caucus claim it is the true version of the Republican party, while other GOP House members said the breakaway group is more concerned with scoring points on social media than governing.

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