More Cuts Possible for State Budget

(AP) _ South Carolina senators are drafting theirfinal version of the state’s $5 billion spending plan and may getmore bad news. The Senate Finance Committee meets on Wednesday and is waitingon an afternoon report from the Board of Economic Advisors thatcould show the need to cut more spending. Florence Republican Sen. Hugh Leatherman runs the committee andwarned members that they may have to make further reductions. The House’s spending plan approved last month by a 64-52 voteincludes plans to raise the state’s cigarette tax by 30 cents apack. The current tax of 7 cents is the nation’s lowest. Housebudget writers wanted the cash used for a Medicaid trust fund. (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)