The Friday Five 1.24.20

Here are a few articles you may have missed this week. Take a few minutes and get smarter before church coffee hour this Sunday…

1. Transparency and accountability. Governor McMaster gave his positions on education reform, the state budget, and legislative transparency at the State of the State. He suggested lawmakers remain mindful of the citizens’ confidence and trust in government, moving forward.
2. Affordable Housing. Pending a successful floor vote, more affordable housing could be on the way for South Carolina. The Senate Finance Committee heard proposals this week and moved in favor of tax credits for the rehabilitation and new construction of affordable housing units. If the floor vote is in favor, the measure will go to Governor McMaster’s desk for his consideration.
3. County Square redevelopment update. In a 6 to 1 vote, Greenville City Council voted in favor of a county proposal set to redevelop 37 acres of downtown Greenville. The vote came after 2 hours of public comments, discussion, and deliberation among the council members.
4. Clemson faculty pay raise. 56 lecturers at Clemson University received a raise mid-January; moving the minimum salary from $40,000 to $42,000. Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Amy Lawton-Rauh, says pay raises have been in the works for years. The measure comes as the University seeks to continue increasing its competitive edge in higher education and to exercise appreciation for the “committed and highly engaged” faculty.
5. December’s employment report showed our state’s employment at a new record high. Unemployment stands at 2.1% in the Upstate.

BONUS: Lowcountry Madness. In response to a burglary call, a Georgetown County deputy was on the scene of a residence with his K-9 awaiting additional backup. The dog became distracted by a cow on the property, the officer had to use his taser to control the dog, the cow then kicked the officer, and finally the dog was put back in the car. The call was also ruled to be unfounded. Wow – what a night for everyone involved. Every person/dog/cow involved is fine and should return to their normal activities soon.