This year’s careful budgeting has allowed us to provide over $624 million in new tax relief. This includes a $500 million property tax credit for homeowners, translating to an average savings of $359 per household, an additional $100 million in individual income tax relief, and with tax cuts in the past two years, a cumulative total of over $800 million. This significant tax cut demonstrates our dedication to improving the lives of South Carolinians by returning more money directly to their pockets.

Our commitment to education has never been stronger, and we were happy to be able to allocate $230 million to enhance teacher salaries, setting a new minimum salary of $47,000 for first-year teachers. This $4,500 increase from the current school year, along with $40 million for classroom materials, $35 million for school buses, and $20 million for school safety enhancements, reflects our dedication to fostering a safe and enriching learning environment for all students.

We continue to strive for making higher education more accessible and affordable, with significant investments to freeze in-state tuition at public colleges and universities for the sixth consecutive year. Bolstering our scholarship programs and need-based grants with $60.7 million dedicated to tuition freezes and over $336 million allocated towards scholarships and grants, we are determined to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder our students' aspirations.

Veterans and first responders hold a special place in this budget, with over $85 million dedicated to healthcare improvements and facilities to honor their service. Additionally, strategic funding has been allocated to bolster law enforcement capabilities, ensuring the safety of our communities. This includes a continued investment in raising the salaries of state officers, and encouraging local departments to increase their compensation, thus benefiting law enforcement across the board.

To ensure our rapidly growing state remains both connected and economically vibrant, we've championed a $200 million investment into our critical infrastructure, specifically targeting bridge improvements. With 528 million tons of freight moving annually across South Carolina, our highway system not only connects ports with major cities and commercial hubs but also supports the lifeblood of our state's ports, businesses, and tourism industry. These funds are allocated with a strategic, corridor-specific approach to address the most urgent bridge needs. This investment is essential not just for our economy but also for the daily lives of every South Carolinian.

This year's budget highlights our commitment to energy independence through the Department of Commerce’s “SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy.” Recognized nationally, SC Nexus is pioneering in energy generation, distribution, and storage, aiming to make South Carolina self-reliant and a leader in sustainable energy. With key partnerships including Savannah River National Laboratory and major state universities, this initiative ensures our electrical grid's sustainability without relying on neighboring states. This effort positions South Carolina as a beacon for energy investment and innovation, driving job creation and development in both urban and rural areas.

In every aspect of our legislative process, especially the budget, our commitment to transparency and accountability stands paramount. The journey of this budget from initial committee meetings and hearings has been open to public participation and scrutiny, ensuring you have a voice in how your tax dollars are utilized. Every step of this process, including detailed documents and discussions, is accessible online for your review. I am always available to address your questions or concerns and provide additional information on budget items if needed. Your trust in me to represent our values and priorities is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am dedicated to upholding that trust by ensuring our budgetary process is as open and accessible as possible.

Yesterday the filing period opened for the 2024 Elections for Federal, State, and County offices. My son, Joseph accompanied me to Charleston County Election Headquarters in their brand-new location. No more old, worn-out warehouse. I will keep working hard the rest of this year and am ready to serve for two more if you honor me with your votes again. 

Meanwhile, my husband Joe, who has always been with us for filing in the past, was marching with the Charleston Pipe Band in the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Charleston. If you would like to help me with my re-election campaign, you can sign up to volunteer by responding to this email, and you can donate by clicking here. I would be very happy to have your help and support in any way.

On Thursday late afternoon, I was honored to have the team at Palmetto Surety Corporation host my re-election campaign kickoff event. It was a gorgeous afternoon on Charleston Harbour as we gathered in the lobby and on the balcony of the Bank of America building where the office is located. President Scott Willis and his Governmental Affairs Officer Dollie Pilson organized this event focused not merely on my re-election bid, but much more importantly on law & order, and protecting the citizens of our great State of SC. This company was instrumental in helping us craft and pass the bail bond reform law last year. Solicitor Scarlett Wilson and Councilman (I still say Chief) Carl Ritchie shared important information about some of the biggest risks regarding crime in our surrounding communities. I then followed up with information on current legislation and where we stand with some of our most critical pending bills. I especially highlighted drug-induced homicide and Judicial Merit Selection Committee reform as two areas that absolutely need to be passed as soon as possible. We had a lively crowd, and everyone seemed to enjoy the discussions, the fellowship, great food, and absolutely beautiful weather. Thanks again to Scott and Dollie, to all the attendees, and to everyone who donated to help me continue to serve District 80, the Lowcountry, and our State!

If you would like to host a Meet & Greet, small group discussion, or larger re-election event, I would be happy to meet with any size gathering to hear your concerns, answer questions, and see what can be done to find solutions to our most pressing problems. If you are not already following my Facebook page, I post updates throughout the week and sometimes get questions there that I am happy to answer or research if I don't know the answer. You don't have to be on Facebook to follow my page here.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Through strategic investments and collaborative efforts, we continue to strengthen, safeguard, and enrich our beloved state for everyone.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to everyone, whether you are Irish or not!

Warmest Regards,

Kathy

Representative Kathy Landing

South Carolina State House District 80