Legislature’s Veto Overrides Commence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The South Carolina House has voted overwhelmingly to override Gov. Nikki Haley’s vetoes that wiped out the state Arts Commission, and that’s just the beginning. The 110-5 vote on Tuesday would restore $1.9 million for the South Carolina Arts Commission to keep running. It was the first vote of the day. A later vote of 89-25 restores $500,000 for the commission’s grant money, already earmarked for schools and other programs across the state. The other agency eliminated by Haley’s vetoes was the Sea Grant Consortium. The House voted 102-10 to restore that agency’s $428,000. Ten million dollars was restored for teacher pay raises. Also, dozens of artists, educators, lobbyists and everyday citizens converged on the State House lobby to share their opinions about the vetoes directly with lawmakers. That’s in addition to the hundreds of art supporters who turned out Monday at the Statehouse for a dramatic protest, that included drummers, while others played guitar and violin on the Statehouse steps. Shortly before 6:00pm, House members voted to restore $453,000 for rape prevention education in the state, another widely talked-about issue. Overrides require two-thirds majority votes in both the House and Senate. The Senate meets Wednesday.