Loftis signs agreement over access to documents

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Officials hope an agreement between state Treasurer Curtis Loftis and the board that invests South Carolina’s pension money brings an end to the public rancor between them. The agreement lets Loftis’ staff review confidential information on investment deals — access he’s demanded for more than a year. As treasurer, Loftis sits on the Retirement System Investment Commission. He’s had full access to documents, as did other commissioners and the commission’s staff. But he wanted his office’s legal and financial professionals to review the documents. Previous attempts to resolve the issue failed. The mistrust led to an unprecedented lawsuit at the state Supreme Court. Loftis told The Associated Press the agreement he signed last week resolves most of the dispute and should make the situation easier for everyone involved.