COLUMBIA, S.C. —

In an opinion released Wednesday , the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled against a pay raise for lawmakers.

In the 2025 legislative session, a budget provision was added that would increase the monthly 'in-district compensation' for state leaders from $1,000 to $2,500. The money is designed for expenses incurred while serving their districts outside of the statehouse. In South Carolina, lawmakers earn a base salary, in-district pay, and per diem pay.

The Supreme Court ruled that a pay increase was unconstitutional and put a pause on it, too.

Sen. Jason Elliott, R-Greenville County, voted in favor of the increase but says he personally declined to receive his specific increase.

"What the system we have now favors, if you are not retired, independently wealthy, or ow

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