Henry McMaster in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
Prevent funneling of taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood
Today is the anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. The right to life is the most precious of rights--and the most fragile. We must never let it be taken for granted. For the third year in a row, my budget includes a proviso
preventing the funneling of taxpayer dollars to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. You are considering two important pieces of legislation. Both will protect the sanctity of life--through heartbeat or personhood. Send them to me.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Crime:
Invest $100 million in upgrading prisons
We are all aware of the struggles facing the men and women working at our Department of Corrections: contraband, violence, gangs, staffing shortages, health care deficiencies. This must change.
I ask that we invest at least $100 million dollars toward making our prisons safer and more secure, both inside and outside the fence, by replacing and repairing existing infrastructure, facilities and control systems.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Education:
Boost teacher pay; surpass southeastern average salaries
Last year, we raised the salaries of all South Carolina teachers. This year, I ask you to give each teacher an additional $3,000 dollar raise--which equates to an average 7% raise per teacher. South Carolina will vault into the "top 25" national
ranking for average teacher pay. We now rank 41st. We will surpass the southeastern average for the first time in many of our lives. And the minimum starting salary for new teachers will have jumped 26% in the last three years, to $38,000.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Education:
Fund PreK for needy kids, including religious schools
In 2006, the General Assembly funded full-day, four-year-old kindergarten programs for Medicaid-eligible children in public schools and private childcare centers. I ask that you provid[e] every lower-income, four-year-old child the opportunity to
attend full-day kindergarten at the public, private, parochial or religious institution of their parents' choosing. That's right--the parents can choose. We will unleash the free market into early childhood education through parental choice.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Education:
5% funding increase for colleges not raising tuition
Last year we took a dramatic step by freezing college tuition for in-state students. I urge you to do it again this year by providing a 5% funding increase for each institution that does not raise tuition. I ask you to provide an additional
$164 million for need-based scholarships and grants to open the door of opportunity for those students. I also ask that the state pay 100% of college tuition for active duty members of the South Carolina Army or Air National Guard.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Don't tax uniformed retirees: veterans, cops, firefighters
I ask that we honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women who served in uniform--veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters and peace officers--by no longer taxing their retirement pay. This commitment to our veterans
will help us in protecting and expanding missions at our state's military bases. As for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders, it will help keep them on the job, aid recruitment and show our appreciation for their service.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Proposes a significant investment in National Guard armories
South Carolina is proudly a military state. During times of national or state emergency, we call on the South Carolina National Guard to do many things. However, the conditions of many of their armories are unsafe, unusable or inadequate for training
and drill. I have proposed a significant reinvestment to improve the condition of National Guard armories in our state. I ask that you join me in this commitment.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Principles & Values:
We believe in faith, family, the flag, and freedom
We are in the midst of a stunning economic resurgence--with the opportunity to seize prosperity for generations to come. We recognize our tremendous assets. We acknowledge our challenges. We believe in faith. We believe in family. We believe in the
flag and we believe in free markets. We believe in liberty--in that shining city on the hill of which President Reagan spoke. And we know that liberty is worth fighting for. And remember, always teach the children to be proud of South Carolina!
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Social Security:
Shift pensions from defined benefit to defined contribution
We must maintain our commitment to the 11.5% of South Carolinians who rely on the state retirement systems and we must also protect the taxpayers from bearing any additional financial burden caused by inaction or indecision or anything else.
The best answer is a date-certain transition away from "defined benefit" pension plans to "defined contribution" plans for new state employees. I am asking that we--at the end of this year--close enrollment in the current "defined-benefit" plan.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Cut income tax by $2.6 billion over five years
Last year, we returned $67 million to the taxpayers in a one-time rebate check. It was well-received. This year, I propose that we return twenty-five cents of every surplus dollar to the taxpayers through rebates and tax cuts.
It's their money. Many people don't believe it but reducing taxes in fact results in tax receipts increasing, not decreasing. South Carolina has the highest personal income tax rate in the southeast and the twelfth highest in the nation.
Therefore, I ask that we cut our state's personal income taxes by $160 million this first year, for a total of $2.6 billion over five years. This means a 15% across-the-board tax reduction for all personal income brackets, keeping us
competitive with our neighboring states. This year, with a $1.8 billion surplus, if we don't cut taxes and send money back to the people, shame on us.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work
Last year, I issued an executive order requiring able-bodied Medicaid recipients to pursue 80 hours a month of community engagement, education, job training or employment. In December, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved
these requirements. "Welfare-to-Work" is one of the great successes in American public policy over the last 25 years. There is no reason "Medicaid-to-Work" cannot be just as effective. In South Carolina, it will be.
Source: 2020 South Carolina State of the State address
Jan 22, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021