Three Grand Strand GOP state senators are having seconds thoughts about that chambers billion dollar tax rebate to income tax payers, arguing the surplus could better be spent on infrastructure needs and other one-time expenses.
Senators Stephen Goldfinch, Greg Hembree, and Luke Rankin argued Wednesday that more of South Carolina's largest-ever surplus should address long term needs, and not be sent back to taxpayers, as a one-time rebate of up to $700 per household. They unsuccessfully lobbied for building rural schools, providing a $1,500 bonus to teachers, a COVID-19 bonus to state employees or road projects including $300 million for a segment of Interstate 73.
Sen. Goldfinch of Murrells Inlet says the rebate put senators in a box. The House's nearly $14 billion budget has no rebate and a $600 million tax cut, while the Senate budget has a $1 billion rebate and $1 billion tax cut.
