State lawmakers failed to produce a state budget on time, but they were far more decisive when it came to almost doubling their own compensation.

Many South Carolinians may question whether elected officials deserve a significant pay increase while many South Carolina families struggle with rising housing costs, gas prices, healthcare costs, utility expenses, insurance premiums and grocery bills.

A budget provision increases legislators’ monthly in-district expense allowance from $1,000 to $2,500 beginning Dec. 1, raising their annual compensation from $22,400 to $40,400, according to reporting by the SC Daily Gazette’s Skylar Laird.

Lawmakers structured the increase as an expense allowance rather than calling it a salary increase. But in practical terms, the allowance substantially increases what legislators receive annually.

And total annual compensation rises to $47,500 beginning with the 128th General Assembly in 2028 for legislators who file a statement accepting it.

Like many South Carolinians, I supported a modest pay increase, but not such an outsized hike in compensation.

But with the decision made, there’s a more useful question to ask: What should taxpayers expect in return?

The short answer is: greater professionalism from state lawmakers.

And the $40,400 figure doesn’t tell the entire story.

Legislators also receive $240.07 in subsistence (per diem expenses) for each eligible legislative day. That can add up to several thousand dollars more.

They receive mileage reimbursement for one weekly round trip to and from Columbia. They are also eligible for state health insurance and retirement benefits.

Yet, the job is still officially a part-time one. But taxpayers are being asked to provide a substantially more valuable compensation package.

That should come with substantially higher expectations.

There is, in fact, one encouraging possibility in the Legislature’s decision. For years, South Carolina has supposedly maintained a “citizen legislature,” one whose relatively modest compensation can make public service difficult for people without independent wealth, flexible careers or supportive employers.

The General Assembly is dominated by men — a bro-ocracy — and specifically by business owners and lawyers.

Higher pay may make it more practical for teachers, nurses, social workers and young parents to consider serving in the General Assembly.

It could open the door to more women, younger professionals and people from a wider range of economic backgrounds.

That’s exactly what we need in Columbia. A representative republic ought to look more like the people it represents.

Greater responsibility

But greater compensation also changes the bargain between lawmakers and the public.

When employers give raises, they expect greater responsibility. The same principle should apply to elected officials.

If legislators believe their work deserves higher compensation, taxpayers are entitled to expect higher standards.

Professionalism begins with accessibility.

Lawmakers should hold regular town hall meetings throughout the year, answer constituent emails and phone calls promptly, send regular newsletters explaining major legislation and important votes, and maintain visible office hours in their districts.

Professionalism also requires transparency.

Too often, controversial votes are followed by silence or carefully crafted talking points instead of genuine explanations. Constituents deserve to know not only how their representatives voted but why.

Preparation matters, too.

South Carolinians should expect legislators to read the bills they vote on, attend committee meetings consistently, ask thoughtful questions and approach public policy with seriousness rather than political theater.

Most importantly, lawmakers should devote more attention to the problems South Carolinians actually face.

The Legislature spends an extraordinary amount of time debating symbolic measures that generate headlines but have little chance of improving daily life.

Meanwhile, major issues demand serious and sustained attention — issues like affordable housing, the teacher shortage, roads and bridges, gun crime, domestic violence, workforce development, mental health, rising healthcare costs, childcare, and the increasing cost of insurance.

Lawmakers should focus on governing rather than grandstanding.

Their job is not to win the day’s social media argument but to solve tomorrow’s problems.

Professionalism also means treating opponents — and citizens — with respect.

Vigorous disagreement is part of democracy. Personal insults, performative outrage and needless political spectacle are not.

Finally, lawmakers should embrace greater accountability.

It is not unreasonable to ask every member of the General Assembly to publish an annual report to constituents summarizing committee attendance, legislation sponsored, major votes and accomplishments on behalf of the district.

The slippery path: SC Legislature echoes Congress’ failures with budget impasse

Businesses measure performance. Nonprofits publish annual reports. Public officials should welcome similar accountability.

And lawmakers should produce a state budget on time, not six weeks late.

These are reasonable expectations for public servants who have decided their work merits greater compensation.

The pay increase is no longer simply about money. It is about expectations.

South Carolina’s lawmakers have concluded that their work deserves to be compensated more generously.

Professionals earn increased pay by demonstrating greater competence, greater accountability and greater service.

Now it’s the Legislature’s opportunity to prove that its dramatically increased compensation is deserved.

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