Legislative Session Weekly Update, April 8-10
The chairs of South Carolina’s House and Senate budget committees have agreed to eliminate earmarks from the 2025–26 state budget, freeing up significant funds to accelerate income tax cuts. Earmarks are one-time funding requests for local initiatives like infrastructure upgrades or nonprofit support. While some see them as valuable community investments, the process has faced ongoing criticism for a lack of transparency. By cutting earmarks this year, Senate leaders said they were able to set aside $290 million to speed up the reduction of the state’s top income tax rate from 6.2% to 6%, surpassing the House’s $200 million allocation. The move reflects a growing focus on tax reform and hints at a possible shift toward a more transparent, grant-style funding system for community projects in the future.
The Week in Review (April 8-10)
Advocates from across South Carolina gathered at the State House for Advocacy Day for Access & Independence, a powerful event led by Able South Carolina and partner organizations. We were proud to partner in this day of action and stand alongside fellow advocates in the fight for disability rights and inclusion. The event highlighted what’s possible when we come together for the 1.3 million South Carolinians living with a disability (nearly one in three residents) whose daily lives are shaped by state policy. Advocates and allies spoke out to urge lawmakers to remove barriers, cut red tape, and uphold the right of every person to live freely and independently in their community.
The House Banking and Insurance Subcommittee held a hearing on House Bill 3108, which would allow doulas to be covered and reimbursed through health insurance. WREN was proud to partner with the South Carolina Doula Steering Committee, whose leadership and advocacy are driving this vital effort forward. Doulas play a proven role in improving birth outcomes, reducing postpartum depression, and supporting families, yet South Carolina has yet to follow the 22 other states that already fund this care. Despite the strong case for doula care, members of the Committee adjourned debate on the bill. We need your voice to keep the pressure on them to revisit and pass this legislation. Click here to take action and ask the Committee to grant the bill a favorable report.
Moving Forward:
Our priority bill, Senate Bill 11, which expands paid parental leave to all state employees, has officially crossed over to the House for consideration. This is a big step toward ensuring that more working parents in South Carolina, including those at state agencies, universities, and technical colleges, can care for their newborn or foster children without the fear of financial hardship. With just four weeks left in the legislative session, we’re pushing hard to get this bill to the Governor’s desk and enacted this year. We need your help! Click here to tell your legislator to prioritize paid family leave!
Together, we can advocate for a more equitable future for women and girls in South Carolina.