SC legislators may not finish budget before July 1

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has approved a measure to keep state government running in case legislators don’t complete the budget before the fiscal year starts July 1.

The House approved Wednesday a resolution that would continue to fund government at current levels until legislators can compromise on a 2012-13 budget.

A compromise on the $6.6 billion spending plan for state taxes rests on a tax break for small business owners.

House leaders are demanding that the Senate agree to a $60 million tax reduction for small businesses. The Senate’s budget proposal includes a $15 million break. The budget conference committee has not met since Monday.

Legislators must send Gov. Nikki Haley their state spending plan by Monday in order for a budget to take effect when the fiscal year starts.