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South Carolina's Minimum Wage

A New Bill Was Introduced That Would Increase South Carolina’s Minimum Wage

A new bill that would increase the current state minimum wage from $7.25 to $17 per hour was introduced for the first time in the S.C. State House.

Currently, the state of South Carolina has a minimum wage of $7.25, the same as the federal minimum wage. This new bill, introduced by Representative Hart, D-Richland, wouldn’t take effect until January 1, 2020, but all South Carolina employers would have to meet this new requirement if passed.

This means for some, the minimum wage could be almost three times the amount it’s been since 2008 when it was last raised $0.70 from $6.55.

After the new legislation was read, Rep. Hart asked for unanimous consent to have the bill added to the Calendar; however, Rep. Bradley, R-Beaufort, objected. The bill was then referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce, and Industry who will further discuss the bill.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s annual report, you would have to make at least $16.38 per hour and work 90 hours each week to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in the state of South Carolina.

What are your thoughts on increasing the state’s minimum wage?

 

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SC Education Reform

South Carolina Lawmakers Scheduled To Meet About New Education Reform

South Carolina’s public education rankings are some of the lowest in the nation.

The Post and Courier recently reported that during the 2017-2018 school year, not even one out of two students in grades three to eight scored “meet expectations” or higher on the state’s accountability test in math or ELA.

This is just one of the reasons why S.C. House Speaker, Jay Lucas, proposed a complete overhaul of the South Carolina school system and made it a top legislative priority.

Some of the changes that were included in the new legislation are pay raises for teachers, the elimination of four statewide tests, and a new “Zero to 20” committee which would monitor and recommend ways to modernize the state’s education system.

While many favor the proposed changes, there are some hesitations. Greenville County superintendent Burke Royster expressed his views on the legislation saying that the “Zero to 20” committee is just another unnecessary level of bureaucracy.

Last week, lawmakers reviewed the legislation and proposed thirteen different amendments of which only five were approved. This week, it will go before the full House, and with an overwhelmingly Republican House, the bill should have no problem receiving a positive vote to move forward in the review process.

After it passes through the House, it will go to the Senate where it is likely to meet more hesitation than in the House. Many Senators agree with Royster and are leaning towards eliminating the “Zero to 20” committee altogether.

To read more on the current state of education reform visit The State.