Columbia, S.C. - The South Carolina House of Representatives recently passed a state budget worth nearly $14 billion that includes pay raises for various sectors of the state's workforce. The House aimed to fund people instead of programs this year, according to Speaker of the House Murrell Smith. Public schools would receive $261 million more than they did last year, with the minimum salary for teachers increasing by $2,500, bringing the starting salary up to $42,500. Teachers' minimum pay based on experience and education level would also increase by $2,500. Local districts that already pay more than the new minimum could decide whether to give additional raises or use the funds elsewhere.