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Governor McMaster urges income‑tax cuts, teacher pay raises and disaster relief in 2025 State of the State
Summary
In the 2025 State of the State, Governor Henry Dargan McMaster proposed cutting the personal income tax rate from 6.2% to 6%, increasing minimum teacher starting pay toward $50,000, funding disaster recovery after Hurricane Helene and advancing energy and workforce initiatives.
Governor Henry Dargan McMaster delivered the 2025 State of the State address to a joint assembly of lawmakers and guests, outlining a wide agenda of tax reform, education investments, disaster relief and energy policy.
McMaster proposed lowering the state personal income tax rate from 6.2% to 6%, saying the change would allow South Carolinians to "keep an additional 193 and a half million" in their pockets. He urged continued tax rate reductions over time and described the state’s strong fiscal position and recent capital investment inflows.
On education, McMaster renewed a push to raise the minimum starting teacher salary to $50,000 and called for additional funding for 4K expansion and scholarships. He also proposed a $30 million appropriation to an education scholarship trust fund to respond to the state supreme court decision and suggested allowing debit‑card purchases of education lottery tickets to bolster scholarship funding.
The governor addressed disaster recovery after Hurricane Helene, proposing a state public assistance program and appropriations to replenish disaster reserve funds and to assist transportation and infrastructure repairs. He also recommended funding for a neurological facility, mental‑health system realignment, and additional investments for permitting and workforce development.
On energy, McMaster advocated for exploring nuclear power options and for removing obstacles to natural gas and distribution capacity, urging swift legislative action on outstanding energy legislation. He closed by emphasizing civility and the state’s long‑term prosperity.
The address was followed by customary recognition of business leaders and emergency‑response personnel in the chamber and set the administration’s priorities for the 2025 legislative session.
