5 June 2025
Background
Last week the General Assembly met to consider a Conference Committee report of the FY26 State Budget and ratified the bill for approval by Governor Henry McMaster. The bill includes at total of $1.5 million in new funding for the South Carolina Arts Commission to support community grant programs.
Here’s the breakdown:
- $500,000 in recurring funding
- $1 million in nonrecurring (one-time) funding
Note: According to budget proviso, most State agencies will not receive nonrecurring funds until February 2026 — meaning that the impact to grant programs may not be fully realized until Fiscal Year 2027 (beginning in July of 2026). Recurring funds will still go into effect on July 1st of this year.
Also notable in the budget:
- Leadership in both chambers has agreed to a budget with no member earmarks this year
- Raised the minimum starting teacher salary to $48,500
- Lowered the state income tax rate from 6.2% to 6%
Take Action
Now is the perfect time to write your State Representative and State Senator to thank them for supporting the arts in 2025. Remember, and attitude of gratitude (with a personal story) goes a long way toward our continued advocacy!
What’s New
The Governor approved the budget on Tuesday evening, issuing only 11 line item vetoes (not arts related).
What’s Next
The General Assembly has the power to override the vetoes by a 2/3 majority vote in each chamber before July 1st, but that does not seem likely at this time.
