Senate Close to Passing Government Restructuring

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Senate is close to wrapping up work on a bill that would eliminate the agency that handles much of the state’s bureaucracy and put much of its duties under the governor’s control. Senators debated late Wednesday on a bill that’s a centerpiece of Gov. Nikki Haley’s agenda. They adjourned with a close vote at 8:45 p.m., after several previous motions to leave failed. Senators hope to finish debating the bill Thursday and send it back to the House, which passed its version last year. The issue consumed the Senate much of last year and since its session started last month. It sparked a state Supreme Court showdown last summer after Haley tried to force legislators to return to pass it. Haley says it’s is about streamlining government.