COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a challenge to a new pay increase for state lawmakers, centered on a monthly payment known as “in-district compensation.”

During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved a budget proviso raising payment from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.

Ken Moffitt, of the Senate Clerk’s Office and representing Senate President Thomas Alexander, defended the increase.

"These guys go home, and they experience an increase in expenses in the same way that we all have. Prices have risen, and the proviso reflects that."

The raise is being challenged by Senator Wes Climer (R–York) and a South Carolina resident, who filed a lawsuit arguing the increase violates the state constitution’s ban on lawmakers granting the

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