COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Senate approved its budget Wednesday after debating items like requiring school children use the bathrooms of their sex assigned at birth and whether universities can spend state money to move to another athletic conference.
The $15.4 billion budget for next fiscal year raises salaries for state employees and teachers, sets aside more money to improve and repair roads and bridges and doubles a planned income tax cut to 0.2%.
It also sets up a showdown with the House over the next month or beyond as the House’s $500 million property tax rebate is not in the Senate plan.
A group of three House members and three senators — likely including the leaders of each chamber’s budget committee — is going to have to sort out the differences. Last year, there was a monthlong showdown over how much money should be given to a new veterinary school at Clemson University.
I flew from Scotland to Denmark for 24 hours for a family trip to Legoland
Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: 'Don't'
A Kiwi woman's journey home after 20 years in Gaza
Jennifer Lopez stuns in an all
Coalition talks stretch on one month past election day
Local board opposes boundary change for Ōtara community
Penn State's leading receiver KeAndre Lambert
Wellington City Council seeks feedback on its 10
Bears unveil $5 billion plan for lakefront stadium
Ministry for Primary Industries aims to slash consultant spend by 34 percent to cut costs