South Carolina workforce faces high turnover amid budget cuts and rising inflation

The Judiciary Subcommittee of the South Carolina Legislature convened on May 6, 2025, to address pressing workforce issues within the state's judicial system. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the impact of population growth on staffing and resources.

During the session, a representative noted that South Carolina's population has surged from 4 million to 5.3 million, marking a 25% increase. However, this growth has not been matched by an increase in personnel or budget, leading to challenges in maintaining service levels. The representative emphasized that despite having one of the lowest initial wait times in the country, the workforce is stretched thin, with minimal budget increases over the years.

The discussion revealed that 87% of the workforce is female, and 51% are African American, with many employees coming from single-parent households. The representative expressed a commitment to supporting these workers, particularly in light of previous salary adjustments made four to five years ago, which raised salaries from $22,000 to $33,000. However, due to inflation, the real value of these salaries has effectively reverted to $22,000, prompting concerns about employee retention.

With a turnover rate of 33% annually, the representative highlighted the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified staff. Many employees are forced to seek additional jobs to support their families, which complicates the hiring process. The representative underscored the complexity of the roles these workers fulfill, which require expertise in various legal areas, including tax law, insurance law, and cybersecurity.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for increased support and resources to address these workforce challenges, ensuring that the judicial system can continue to function effectively in the face of growing demands. The subcommittee plans to explore potential solutions to improve staffing and compensation in future discussions.