USC professor joins lawsuit before Supreme Court

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A University of South Carolina professor is dropping his lawsuit in Richland County against a panel led by Gov. Nikki Haley in order to join a similar lawsuit at the state Supreme Court.

Attorney Michael Medlock said Friday he asked the lower court to dismiss his client’s lawsuit and filed a motion to intervene in the other.

USC chemistry professor Thomas Bryson was the first to challenge the Budget and Control Board’s vote last week to raise public workers’ health care premiums despite a state budget that covered the hike. Haley won a 3-2 vote on the board to split the cost between workers and employers.

On Tuesday, leaders of groups representing teachers and state workers asked the Supreme Court to take the case. A news conference is planned Monday.