South Carolina economists estimated on Monday that the the state will have $7.5 billion dollars in its general fund for the next fiscal year. This estimate is 3.9% more than last year’s budget. This growth is helped by steady employment growth throughout the state.

Many people believe that the new money should go to South Carolina’s deteriorating roads and infrastructure system. Governor Haley announced over the summer that she will unveil a plan of her own in January ahead of the SC General Assembly coming back to the Statehouse. Governor Haley has also vowed to veto any legislation to increase the states gas tax.

As many of you know South Carolina has one of the lowest gas tax rates in the country at 16.8%, only behind Alaska at 12.4%. Many legislatures from both sides of the aisle have called for an increase in the gas tax in recent years to fix the states infrastructure system.

In the coming months we will be drafting a plan of our own addressing the need for better roads in South Carolina. We hold firm in opposing a net gas tax increase. We look forward seeing  Governor Haley’s plan and addressing the gas tax issue.

Stay up to date with SCAT and tax issues facing SC by following us on Facebook (South Carolina Association of Taxpayers) and Twitter (@scat82)