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.
Connor Wong homers twice, Rafael Devers connects for solo shot as Red Sox hammer Guardians 8
Sizzling Phillies finish homestand 8
Pogačar beats Van der Poel in a dominant win at Liège–Bastogne–Liège classic
1 killed, 9 inured when car collides with county bus in Milwaukee
Megan Fox shows off flawless face in glamorous selfies after sharing THAT unrecognizable makeup
Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan stuns in glittering black gown as she holds hands with co
Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back
Elena Rybakina beats Marta Kostyuk 6
Dairy cattle must be tested for bird flu before moving between states, agriculture officials say
Meet Lama Rod: A queer, Black Buddhist who wants to free you
Portugal marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution army coup that brought democracy
Forest appears to question integrity of match official after 2