By:
Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
Following Governor Henry McMaster’s final State of the State address, South Carolina State Sen. Shane Martin believes state priorities position Spartanburg for growth. He said, “the governor’s focus on education, infrastructure, energy, and public safety aligns closely with Spartanburg County’s long-term economic and quality-of-life goals.” Martin, who represents portions of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Union counties, said the address underscored how targeted state investments—when paired with clear policy guardrails—can strengthen local communities.
Education and Workforce Development
Martin pointed first to education and workforce readiness. He said, “increased investment in K–12 education and career training is essential to sustaining economic growth in Spartanburg County.”
As an example, Martin highlighted Spartanburg Community College, which works directly with employers to tailor training programs to workforce needs.
“Enrollment at the college has grown by nearly 30% since 2015.” Martin said, that “growth reflects both the demand for skilled workers and the quality of career education offered in the county.”
According to Martin, “this approach ensures businesses can expand while residents gain access to well-paying jobs.”
Infrastructure That Drives Opportunity
Martin also emphasized transportation infrastructure as a key economic driver.
He said, “the completion of upgrades to Interstate 85, along with continued investment in local road projects, will generate long-term benefits across Spartanburg County. The South Carolina Department of Transportation currently has plans for improvements to Racetrack Road, Country Club Road, Reidville Road, Heron Circle, and multiple intersections along Highway 9.”
Martin said, “these projects will improve safety, reduce congestion, and increase commercial prospects in surrounding areas.”
Public Safety as a Legislative Priority
As chair of the Senate Corrections Committee and a member of the Senate Finance Committee overseeing public safety budgets, Martin said public safety remains his top priority. In 2025, he supported multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening law enforcement across South Carolina, including Spartanburg County.
These efforts included increased funding for law enforcement agencies and support for legislation creating the felony offense of fentanyl-induced homicide, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Lawmakers also addressed emerging threats, such as organized retail crime, and strengthened penalties for drivers who fail to stop for blue lights or lead law enforcement on high-speed chases.
In addition, Martin supported funding for universal School Resource Officers and helped secure more than $28 million in recurring funds in the FY 2026 budget for recruitment and retention of public safety officers and SROs.
He said this level of support reflects strong, ongoing backing from the General Assembly for both state and local law enforcement.
A Cautious Approach to the Digital Economy
Martin said he supports growing South Carolina’s digital economy, including in Spartanburg County. However, he stressed that growth must not come at the expense of taxpayers and utility ratepayers.
He said he plans to work with Senator Tom Davis on legislation related to data centers and energy costs.
Martin noted that he and Davis previously supported legislation to slow the influx of data centers, and said he opposes special tax incentives for those facilities.
Instead, Martin said, “data centers should be required to cover the full costs associated with serving them, including fuel, generation, and transmission expenses.” He also supports requiring data centers to go through their own rate process so additional costs are not passed on to individual customers.
“Data centers already want to come to South Carolina,” Martin said, “adding that taxpayers and ratepayers should not be asked to subsidize that growth.”
What It Means for Spartanburg County
Overall, Martin said, the governor’s priorities—when paired with responsible budgeting and clear policy limits—position Spartanburg County for continued, sustainable growth.
“By investing in education, infrastructure, and public safety, while protecting residents from unintended financial burdens,” Martin said, “the state can support economic expansion without sacrificing affordability or community trust.”
Author: Vareva Harris
