Director Kjell Shweta advocates for DMV employee salaries and urgent system modernization
April 30, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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During a recent meeting of the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee, the urgent need for salary increases for state employees was a focal point of discussion. The director of the DMV, Carl Shweta, passionately addressed the committee, highlighting the challenges faced by his staff, who are struggling with low wages and high turnover rates.
Shweta revealed that many of his 1,500 employees earn a starting salary of just $22,000, which has not kept pace with inflation. He noted that despite a previous increase to $33,000, the real value of that salary has effectively dropped back to $22,000 due to rising living costs. "We are going to start losing state employees because we haven't thought about their salaries," he warned, emphasizing the need for competitive pay to retain skilled workers.
The director also pointed out the extensive training required for DMV employees, who must navigate complex laws and regulations. With a staggering 33% turnover rate, Shweta expressed concern that the constant need to train new hires detracts from the agency's efficiency. "As soon as I get them trained up, they go on to other people," he lamented.
In addition to salary concerns, Shweta addressed the pressing issue of the Real ID Act, urging residents to obtain their Real IDs before upcoming federal deadlines. He explained that without a Real ID, South Carolinians would face significant travel restrictions, including access to airports and military installations. Currently, only 60% of residents have acquired their Real IDs, and Shweta warned that delays at DMV offices could increase as the deadline approaches.
The meeting also touched on broader issues, such as the state's DUI laws, which Shweta criticized for being ineffective and contributing to high recidivism rates. He called for legislative action to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for laws that better protect public safety.
As the committee concluded, Shweta's passionate plea for better pay and resources for state employees resonated with members, who acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the effective functioning of state services. The discussion highlighted a critical moment for South Carolina's workforce, as lawmakers consider the implications of salary adjustments and legislative reforms in the coming months.
Shweta revealed that many of his 1,500 employees earn a starting salary of just $22,000, which has not kept pace with inflation. He noted that despite a previous increase to $33,000, the real value of that salary has effectively dropped back to $22,000 due to rising living costs. "We are going to start losing state employees because we haven't thought about their salaries," he warned, emphasizing the need for competitive pay to retain skilled workers.
The director also pointed out the extensive training required for DMV employees, who must navigate complex laws and regulations. With a staggering 33% turnover rate, Shweta expressed concern that the constant need to train new hires detracts from the agency's efficiency. "As soon as I get them trained up, they go on to other people," he lamented.
In addition to salary concerns, Shweta addressed the pressing issue of the Real ID Act, urging residents to obtain their Real IDs before upcoming federal deadlines. He explained that without a Real ID, South Carolinians would face significant travel restrictions, including access to airports and military installations. Currently, only 60% of residents have acquired their Real IDs, and Shweta warned that delays at DMV offices could increase as the deadline approaches.
The meeting also touched on broader issues, such as the state's DUI laws, which Shweta criticized for being ineffective and contributing to high recidivism rates. He called for legislative action to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for laws that better protect public safety.
As the committee concluded, Shweta's passionate plea for better pay and resources for state employees resonated with members, who acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the effective functioning of state services. The discussion highlighted a critical moment for South Carolina's workforce, as lawmakers consider the implications of salary adjustments and legislative reforms in the coming months.
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