Governor Ignores Three-Fourths of Budget in Lashing Senate

Gov. Nikki Haley's press conference earlier this week was strong on style and a bit short on substance.

Legislature’s Watchdog Agency Lives on Bare-Bones Diet

Landmark legislation, which became law earlier this year, codified the creation of an inspector general’s office with broad powers in the executive branch of state government. But what about the General Assembly’s inspector general, the Legislative Audit Council?

House Version of FY13 Budget Calls for $1 Billion-Plus Increase

The Nerve’s review of a budget document produced by the Office of State Budget, known as the “summary control document,” shows that compared to the ratified state budget for this fiscal year, which started July 1, the recently passed House version of the fiscal year 2013 budget would increase total authorized spending by more than $1 billion.

Market Bulletin Mystery Raises Legal, Constitutional Questions

It might sound like a trivial affair, but it actually carries legal and constitutional implications: The S.C. Department of Agriculture and Gov. Nikki Haley’s office disagree about whether the department’s Market Bulletin publication is a money-losing operation.

Lobbying by State Agencies Continues Despite State Ban

Sixteen state agencies and institutions collectively have spent at least $320,000 since June lobbying the S.C. General Assembly, despite a state budget proviso banning those agencies from using general funds for that purpose, a review by The Nerve has found.

Obscure Program Revises Process, Accountability Remains Illusory

After three years of questions, the S.C. Lieutenant Governor's Office still cannot provide the legislative basis for the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Program.

Still No Sunshine on S.C. House, Senate Spending

The S.C. House and Senate continue to bypass the normal budgetary process when it comes to adopting annual budgets for the two chambers.

South Carolina’s $1.5 Billion Piggy Bank

The Nerve’s review of a 656-page document produced by the Office of State Budget, formally known as the “detailed base budget” and dubbed “the brick,” found that 99 state agencies, divisions and separate funds started this fiscal year on July 1 with a collective $1.498 billion surplus in “other” funds.

No End in Sight for Court Fees

S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal has no immediate plans to eliminate or reduce court fees.

Clemson Sustainability Program in Line for $445,000 in State Funds

The S.C. Commission on Higher Education got approval from the Joint Other Funds Oversight Committee on Jan. 19 to present a request to the Office of State Budget for $445,240 for Clemson’s “Endowed Chair in Sustainable Development,” part of the SmartState program.

Changes and Evaluation Likely Coming to Lt. Governor’s Office

A proposal that has passed the S.C. House would change the election and responsibilities of the state’s lieutenant governor at the same time lawmakers are questioning the effectiveness of a state office that has faced much controversy in recent years.

S.C. State Gets an ‘Incomplete’ on Budget Request

South Carolina State, already under scrutiny for alleged financial mismanagement related to millions of dollars earmarked for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center, appears to have dropped the ball by incorrectly filling out a request for $36 million to renovate a pair of structures.

Court System Raking in Fees, Accumulating Millions in Reserves

The S.C. Judicial Depatment over the years has been able to build up millions in reserves with fees imposed on those who use the state court system, The Nerve found in a review of state records.

Court System Raking in Fees, Accumulating Millions in Reserves

As Tuition at S.C. Universities Increases, So Does Administrator Pay

While tuition at three S.C. public universities has nearly doubled in the past decade, university administrators have been receiving steady compensation packages worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

State Agencies Cry Poverty While Amassing Large Surpluses

South Carolina’s 33 public colleges and universities collectively amassed nearly $900 million in “unrestricted” assets – generally surplus money that can be spent on anything – as of June 30, according to year-end financial statements reviewed by The Nerve.

Haley Passing on Zero-Base Budgeting?

More Questions Arise Regarding Program that Won’t Die

More questions on Senior Center Permanent Improvement Program.

The $29M ‘Invisible’ State Agency

On paper, the recently created S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority will have at least $28.8 million in available revenues this fiscal year, though nothing has been spent yet, a state Budget and Control Board spokeswoman told The Nerve last week.

Agencies Bank Millions in General Fund Surpluses

While many state agencies have publicly cried poverty over the past several years, at least 16 agencies started fiscal 2011-12 with a general fund surplus of more than $1 million, The Nerve found in a review of a state financial report.

DOT Year-End Surpluses Plunge by $217 Million

The State's Secret $7 Billion Budget