McMaster Signs $350M Earmark Bill | Columbia News

Governor McMaster just signed a landmark $350 million funding bill packed with targeted investments across South Carolina — from road upgrades and public safety boosts to economic growth, park improvements, and critical infrastructure fixes. These earmarks, specific funds set aside by lawmakers for local projects, sparked heated debate this year, emerging as their own separate bill after the House proposed $220 million and the Senate added $130 million. Though the governor kept quiet publicly, he affirmed earmarks have long been part of South Carolina’s legislative tradition — now under tighter scrutiny for accountability. Critics, especially the House Freedom Caucus, argue it fuels wasteful spending, citing zoo allocations as examples, while supporters defend them as essential tools to address overlooked local needs. Notably, no nonprofit groups received direct earmark funds in this bill — and it may be Governor McMaster’s final signature before his term ends. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dac1ab416b917c0a