State worker raises planned in South Carolina Senate budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After years of rapid growth in tax collections, South Carolina lawmakers want to share the windfall with nearly every state employee. The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday approved a $13 billion budget for the next fiscal year that would provide raises for nearly everyone. State employees would get a $2,500 bump in their base pay if they make less than $50,000 and a 5% raise if they make more than $50,000, according to the 2023-24 budget sent to the Senate floor for consideration last month. Some law enforcement positions — like state troopers, state agents, and officers…