US EditionSouth Carolina Supreme Court considers lawmaker pay case as legislators aren’t getting paid
The court halted a $1,500 monthly pay raise citing constitutional limits on lawmakers increasing their own compensation before elections, leaving legislators unpaid for months.
- The South Carolina Supreme Court considered whether a $1,500 raise passed earlier this year would be halted after a late‑June order left lawmakers unpaid while the case is reviewed.
- The state constitution's ban on immediate pay hikes prompted the suit by Wes Climer, who argued the South Carolina General Assembly violated it, while attorneys disputed if the 'in‑district compensation' fund was salary or an expense.
- The increase marked the legislature's first pay change in over three decades, with Sen. Shane Martin arguing it was needed due to inflation, while Chief Justice John Kittredge noted the payment renamed to 'in‑district compensation' from 'legislative expense allowance' dating back to 1988.
- The court's pause has left routine payments stalled, so lawmakers may not receive further pay until the next session and some use personal funds for town halls and constituent services.
- South Carolina's combined pay of $22,400 is low nationally; justices suggested delaying or separating the raise to avoid halting regular payments, which some lawmakers cover personally.
17 Articles
17 Articles
SC Supreme Court hears challenge to lawmakers’ pay increase
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a challenge to a new pay increase for state lawmakers, centered on a monthly payment known as “in-district compensation.” During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved a budget proviso raising payment from $1,000 to $2,500 per month. Ken Moffitt, of the Senate Clerk’s Office and representing Senate President Thomas Alexander, defended the increase.…
Justices question the meaning of ‘per diem’ in case over SC legislators raising own pay
Rock Hill resident Carol Herring and attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Phillip Barber discuss a lawsuit outside the state Supreme Court building in Columbia, S.C., on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, over raising legislators' monthly allowance. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)COLUMBIA — What, exactly, the crafters of the South Carolina constitution meant in writing “per diem” more than a century ago could determine whether legislators get the pay …
Should SC lawmakers get this self-awarded pay raise? The state Supreme Court decides from here.
The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments from Rock Hill Republican Sen. Wes Climer and former Sen. Dick Harpootlian whether a recently enacted pay raise for legislators was legal.
S.C. Supreme Court puts monthly payment for lawmakers on hold
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
