5 budgeting challenges in South Carolina exposed by changes in Washington
The articles highlight the challenges South Carolina faces due to new federal rules and budgetary changes. The common issues include funding cuts affecting energy projects, education, environmental programs, and housing assistance.
A major theme is the impact of federal funding on energy production, with a $500 million federal investment in solar and nuclear power helping South Carolina meet its growing energy demands. Another significant concern is the potential loss of tens of millions in research funds at the University of South Carolina, which may threaten "lifesaving" projects. Environmental protection programs face uncertainty if federal funds are slashed, risking clean drinking water supplies and pollution control efforts. Nonprofits worry about their ability to maintain housing assistance for thousands of families due to instability in HUD funding, causing confusion and uncertainty regarding rent payments. Through these examples, the articles underscore the wide-reaching effects of federal policy changes on South Carolina's economy, environment, and public welfare. Read the stories below.
NO. 1: GOVERNMENT GRANTS MONEY FOR SOLAR, NUCLEAR POWER IN SOUTH CAROLINA AS BIDEN LEAVES OFFICE
South Carolina’s rural electric cooperatives are getting some $500 million in federal money to boost energy capacity from solar, batteries and nuclear power. | Published January 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sammy Fretwell
NO. 2: NIH SPONSORS $70M IN ‘LIFESAVING’ RESEARCH AT USC. COULD TRUMP’S ORDER TAKE MONEY AWAY?
The University of South Carolina, along with Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina, are advocating for their research amid proposed federal cuts. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexa Jurado
NO. 3: ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AT RISK IF TRUMP PURGE EXTENDS TO STATE AGENCIES IN SC
President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have been busy letting federal workers go. But if the budget cuts extend to state agencies, SC faces its own problems protecting the environment | Published March 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sammy Fretwell
NO. 4: HOUSING FOR THOUSANDS IN SC IN JEOPARDY AS TRUMP’S ORDERS SOW CONFUSION IN HUD FUNDING
South Carolina officials do not provide any money for homelessness services, leaving nonprofits entirely dependent on federal and local funding as well as fundraising. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ted Clifford
NO. 5: USC LOST $17.5M AFTER TRUMP PULLED MONEY FROM COLLEGES. THESE PROGRAMS WERE CUT
“As the state’s flagship university, a large part of USC’s mission is to pursue scientific knowledge through groundbreaking research and that will not change,” a spokesman said. | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexa Jurado
NO. 6: TRUMP CUT A PROGRAM PAYING $33M FOR COLUMBIA CANAL REPAIR. WILL MONEY STILL COME?
The Columbia Canal has been in need of repairs for a decade, after being damaged in the 2015 “1,000-year flood.” | Published May 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Morgan Hughes
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.