South Carolina

What Are the Budget Issues Facing South Carolina?

In 2009, South Carolina faces a $1.1 billion budget gap representing 16.3% of the general fund. In 2010, South Carolina is looking at another $535 million shortfall, 7.8% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in South Carolina

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $860,000,000 in relief for South Carolina’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $567,700,000 in relief to the state of South Carolina to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $194,500,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $179,300,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $37,200,000 for other education programs in South Carolina’s schools.
• $383,000,000 in food stamps for 644,000 South Carolina men, women, and children.
• $15,900,000 in emergency shelter grants for 3,900 households.
• 221,000 South Carolina children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $36,316,258 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 8,750 South Carolina children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 293,573 South Carolina families.
• $7,500,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $25,000,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have South Carolina’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Jim DeMint (R)

Lindsey Graham (R)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information