The proposed pay increases would have cost taxpayers approximately $4.3 million by the end of the 2025-2026 legislative session, with most of the Republican supermajority voting in favor.

If implemented, the raise would increase monthly in-district expenses for lawmakers from $1,000 to $2,500, effectively granting them an additional $18,000 per year.

The court's ruling raises concerns about the method used to implement the pay raises, which involved amending an existing budget proviso without proper debate.

The court emphasized that allowing the pay increase to take effect during the legal challenge could cause immediate and irreparable harm, justifying the suspension.

Climer's attorney argues that while the current legislature can vote for a pay increase, it cannot be for themselves; any increase would take effect only after the next elections.

The injunction prevents state Treasurer Curtis Loftis from issuing checks for the increased amounts, leaving the broader legal question of lawmakers' ability to vote on their own pay unresolved.

Governor Henry McMaster did not veto the budget language that authorized the raises, which represented a significant increase from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.

Critics, including the petitioners, argue that the increase is unconstitutional, drawing parallels to a historical case where a similar allowance was ruled unconstitutional.

As the legal proceedings continue, updates on the case are anticipated, with a potential court decision expected in the fall.

Climer's lawsuit, initiated on June 9, contends that the nearly $20,000 annual pay increase violates a constitutional provision that prohibits legislators from raising their own per diems.

Proponents of the pay raise argue that it is necessary due to inflation, as lawmakers' compensation has not been adjusted since the mid-1990s.

The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued a preliminary injunction to temporarily halt proposed pay raises for state lawmakers, responding to a lawsuit filed by Senator Wes Climer and retired educator Carol Herring.