COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – House lawmakers returned to the state budget this afternoon as the legislative session winds down.
The House budget includes a temporary provision that boosts in-district pay from $1,000 to $2,500 a month — an $18,000 raise. Lawmakers receive a salary, in-district expense money for work back home, and travel reimbursement to and from Columbia.
The Senate included similar language in its version of the budget.
The House also takes up separate legislation tomorrow that would raise lawmakers’ base salary and in-district expenses — a bill the Senate has already passed.
Lawmakers are hoping to pass legislation to increase their pay before the end of the session. They have cited not seeing a raise in years, and said more money could help incentivize others to run.
Lawmakers are expected to wrap up the session next Thursday.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2026 WIS. All rights reserved.
