S.C. legislative leaders say they currently see no need for a special session this year to provide additional resources for Hurricane Helene relief.
Instead, Senate President Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee) and House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) told reporters this week that the legislature will take up the issue when members return in regular session next year.
“Our work will start in January, addressing what is necessary for us from a financial standpoint as we have more time to evaluate the damage,” Alexander said.
Smith noted that putting off the issue will allow agencies to get a better understanding of the full needs and costs related to the storm, which has claimed 49 lives to date in the Palmetto State.
“We don’t know what the cost is. We don’t know what the timeline is,” he said. “When all that comes to fruition, you’ll see both our [budget] chairmen work on those issues and they’ll give it top priority.”
Meanwhile, Smith said, the state can rely on about $300 million in reserves earmarked for emergencies. Earlier in the week, leaders said damages had surpassed $250 million, but assessments are ongoing.
“South Carolina is prepared, and the good news about this is we have prepared for these events over the last few budget cycles,” Smith said.
In addition to state resources, President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina and in more than half the state’s counties, with $65 million in federal aid already approved. On Oct. 9, Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order extending the state’s own emergency declaration another 15 days.
“We will work as long as it takes to ensure all South Carolinians get the support they need,” McMaster said in a social media post.
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