By Seanna Adcox | Editor-in-chief
Welcome to the start of the state’s new fiscal year. It’s unclear when we’ll actually have a state budget. This is the fourth time in a decade that a continuing resolution has been needed to keep government operating. But that includes 2020, when no budget was passed amid the pandemic. The two other times, the bridge was necessary for days, not weeks or months.
“It’s not like in Washington, D.C., where if you don’t have a budget, you’re looking at government shutting down and all sorts of consequences in that regard.” - Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, on government operations continuing without a new state budget.
House Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister, pictured March 11, said Tuesday he's optimistic that budget negotiators will reach a compromise in two weeks. (Courtesy of the House photographers' office/photo by Kim Kim Foster)
By Skylar Laird
A fight over property tax relief and earmarks has stalled legislators’ work on the $15.5 billion state spending plan, sending South Carolina into a new financial cycle with no new budget. Senators say they aren’t budging on expanding property tax relief as part of the budget. Their plan would help homeowners 65 and older.
The Norwegian Jewel cruise ship is docked at Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Photo by David Wren/SC Daily Gazette)
By David Wren
The last cruise ship to call on Union Pier Terminal left downtown Charleston yesterday. The S.C. State Ports Authority has agreed to sell the waterfront site for $250 million. The last ship was supposed to visit July 4, but its port of call was moved a little north so it won’t interfere with an America 250 celebration at Waterfront Park.
As part of the curriculum at its new vet school, Clemson University students will provide on-farm and after-hours care for livestock. (Photo courtesy of Clemson University)
By Jessica Holdman
Veterinarians in training at Clemson University will make farm calls, helping fill shortages in rural South Carolina. When fully operational, the ambulatory service will be equipped with four state-of-the-art trucks with ultrasound, digital radiography and other specialized equipment.
COMMENTARIES...
Big changes to federal student loans are starting: Here’s what SC borrowers should know | By Ray Jones with the SC Student Loan Corp.
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