News Summary
The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued an injunction against a proposed $18,000 pay raise for state legislators, set to take effect in July 2025. This decision comes as the court examines the constitutionality of the raise, which critics argue could be misused. Senator Wes Climer led the legal challenge asserting the raise violates a constitutional provision preventing legislators from increasing their own per diem. As 44 Republican legislators opt out, broader concerns about compensation transparency emerge within the state legislature.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued an injunction that halts a proposed $18,000 annual pay increase for state legislators, which was set to take effect on July 1, 2025. This decision comes as the court reviews whether the pay raise’s approval adheres to the state constitution.
The controversial pay increase would have raised legislators’ in-district compensation from $1,000 to $2,500 per month. The increase in compensation was intended to help cover expenses related to constituent work but critics argue that the funds might be misused. The court’s injunction follows a legal challenge initiated by Senator Wes Climer, a Republican from Rock Hill, who claims the raises are unconstitutional.
Climer’s argument rests on a provision in the South Carolina Constitution that prohibits legislators from raising their own per diem during their term. He is pursuing legal representation from attorney Dick Harpootlian, a former senator, who is expected to file arguments for the case by July 25, 2025. Following this filing, the defendants, which include the state House, Senate, and the state treasurer’s office, will have until mid-August to respond to the challenge. The deadline for final arguments is established for September 4, 2025.
The state Supreme Court recognized that allowing the proposed raises to be implemented during the ongoing legal proceedings could lead to “immediate, irreparable harm.” In light of this, they have paused the pay increases while deliberations continue.
Interestingly, a total of 44 Republican legislators have opted out of the proposed pay raise, showing a divide within the party regarding the issue. The legislative pay structure has remained unchanged since 1990, which includes a base salary of $10,400 and the existing in-district compensation of $1,000 established in 1995.
This legal challenge prompts scrutiny about whether the new compensation qualifies as a per diem in accordance with the South Carolina Constitution. Previous annual proposals for legislative pay increases have seen limited success, often being rejected outright or not addressed in legislative hearings.
Moreover, the implications of the pay raise extend beyond immediate compensation. Any increase in salary could also influence legislator pensions, particularly for those within the state pension system, since pension calculations are based on the highest years of earnings as public employees.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the transparency and procedural integrity surrounding the approval of the pay raise. Several lawmakers have voiced apprehensions about whether the process fully adhered to legislative standards, raising questions about governance and accountability within the South Carolina legislature.
As the case progresses, it reflects broader tensions regarding compensation and the legislative process within South Carolina. With the upcoming deadlines for filing and responses, all eyes will remain on the South Carolina Supreme Court as it navigates this significant issue that could reshape the financial landscape for state legislators.
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Supreme Court
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: South Carolina Legislative Pay Raise
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Process
- FitsNews
- Google News: South Carolina Supreme Court
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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