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.
Crystal Palace ensure Premier League safety by beating Newcastle 2
Saudi Arabia stuns Argentina in World Cup Group C
Air route aims to boost Hainan free port status
China's CPI up 0.1 pct in March
AP PHOTOS: Russian kids ride sticks with a horse's head in hobby horsing competition
Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
Huawei revs up NEV sector with new SUV
Enterprises bullish on supply chain expo
Microsoft and Amazon face scrutiny from UK competition watchdog over recent AI deals
Friendly visa policies to help boost tourism
Wednesday casts Thandiwe Newton in highly
China's border exits and entries see dramatic increases during Spring Festival