By S.C. Rep. Bobby Harrell

The House Ways and Means Committee recently completed a $5.8 billion spending plan that offers more funds for education, law enforcement, Medicaid and restoring our state’s trust funds.

It is a great day for South Carolina when parties who have held such differing views on past political issues have unanimously passed this budget out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The level of cooperation between the political parties and the desire to work together was unprecedented. Then again, it shouldn’t be hard for legislators to agree on a budget that focuses on the issues South Carolinians tell us are priorities. What brought us together is a commitment to making the best choices for South Carolina’s future, and a spirit of cooperation that we have not seen in several years.

Education is the top priority of this budget. During the past few difficult years, we said when times got better we wanted to focus even more on education, and we were pleased to announce that we are fully funding education to the Education Finance Act level. At the same time, we are repaying trust funds, hiring more law enforcement officers, and giving raises to state employees.

With this budget, the total per pupil funding for South Carolina will be $9,826, which includes the “base student cost” being fully funded at $2,290. That is good news for students, parents and teachers. What’s more, teacher supply money was increased to $250, and teacher salaries will be increased so that they will continue to be $300 above the Southeast average. Furthermore, the budget fully funds our state’s scholarship programs, LIFE, Palmetto Fellows and HOPE scholarships, and continues to provide funding for tuition assistance to two-year institutions.

A strong educational system is critical to a successful economy. For our state to compete in the increasingly complex global economy, our citizens need top-notch training and academic preparation. The rules to become successful are changing. Most of today’s jobs require higher-level skills, and that means higher-level education. As South Carolina continues to attract better, higher-paying jobs, we must provide the skilled workforce to fill those jobs.

It all begins in the elementary, middle and high schools. While education initiatives will require additional resources from the state, the return on the investment will be significant and will help ensure prosperity for decades to come.

When the budget is debated in a couple of weeks by the full S.C. House of Representatives, you will hear state officials negotiate budget priorities. Some of us will make education our No. 1 priority. Others will focus on paying back trust funds as the top initiative. The bottom line is that both of these can and should be priorities.

It may look like a difficult choice to some, but it really isn’t a choice at all. Our future depends on every South Carolinian contributing to the productivity of the state. It has been gratifying to see everyone working so hard together on this budget. Democrats, Republicans, men, women, veterans and newcomers alike are pulling together to ensure that South Carolina’s children are our top priority and are well prepared for the future.

S.C. Rep. Bobby Harrell is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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