THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA This week, the House of Representatives passed H.3516 (South Carolina Infrastructure and Economic Development Reform Act) in a vote of 97-18. This bill would provide for roads and bridges repairs and would generate approximately $600 million per year. The bill also includes a two-cents-per-gallon user fee each year for five years. The bill would increase the vehicle sales tax cap to $500.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly approved similar bills that address the state's unfunded pension liability. Both bills would increase employee and employer contributions to the state's pension fund.
BUDGET The State Budget Process Last week, President Jim Clements delivered Clemson's E&G budget presentation to the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee. Members of that Subcommittee include Senator John Courson, Chairman (R-Richland), Senator Darrell Jackson (D-Richland), Senator Paul Campbell Clemson '68 (R-Berkeley), Senator Shane Martin Clemson '94 (R-Spartanburg), and Senator John Scott (D-Richland).
From a state budgeting standpoint, Clemson is considered two separate state agencies: a research university that receives an educational and general (E&G) state appropriation for teaching and student support, and a land-grant Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) division that receives a state appropriation to support agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension, research and regulatory programs.
The university also has auxiliary operations, such as athletics, student housing and dining services, which receive no state funding and must generate all of their own revenue.
Detailed information on Clemson's 2017 state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2017-18 may be found at these links:
BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill's current status.
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