SC Senate makes progress on government reform bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Senate has voted to eliminate the agency that handles much of the state’s bureaucracy and put much of its duties under the governor’s control.

The 36-2 vote Tuesday in the Senate represents progress on an issue that has consumed the Senate since the session started last month. It also hands a win to Gov. Nikki Haley, who refers to the Budget and Control Board as a big, green, ugly monster.

The approved amendment abolished that board. Debate on the bill will continue Wednesday.

Haley thanked senators for their efforts to create a meaningful Department of Administration.

The bill sparked a Supreme Court showdown between Haley and legislators last summer when she unsuccessfully tried to force them back to Columbia to pass that bill and others she wanted.