|
State Budget passes House after heated debate
The House passed the $14 billion state operating budget Wednesday at 12:30 am after two full days of contentious floor debate, mostly between House Republicans and the Freedom Caucus. The dozens of amendments from the Freedom Caucus aimed at cutting spending did not pass after hours of impassioned speeches from their members and responses from House leadership, including from House Majority Leader Davey Hiott (District 4 - Pickens).
Ultimately, conservation budgets were untouched, and we look forward to seeing these commitments honored, if not improved, as the budget now moves over to the Senate, where the Finance Committee has already begun its budget subcommittee work. The House will be on furlough this week, which means they won’t be in the chamber for bill debates, but committees will continue to meet.
Forestry Commission’s Conservation Push
The SC Forestry Commission, an agency that manages over 100,000 acres of forestland, is making a strong case for increased investment in conservation, particularly in programs that protect working forests and prevent fragmentation of our state’s forested landscapes. During last week’s budget hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, State Forester Scott Phillips requested $5 million in one-time funds for strategic land conservation projects and $300,000 in recurring funds to hire and support conservation program staff.
As stated in the Commission’s budget request, healthy forests play a vital role in South Carolina’s resilience – supporting water quality, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat – while also sustaining the state’s $23 billion forest industry. We agree with Mr. Phillips that conservation is a team sport in this state, and that we receive immense benefits from the state’s agencies and land trusts working together to leverage state, federal, and private funds to preserve land efficiently and effectively.
| 
