House Committee Tables SC State University Discussion

Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — At the Statehouse Tuesday, the Ways and Means Committee met to discuss the proposal that could temporarily shut down South Carolina State University for one year. However, due to weather delays and other agenda items on the list, the committee did not take an in-depth look at the proviso. In their second meeting for the day, the committee decided to skip over the proviso concerning South Carolina State University for the time being. Representatives said they will most likely get to the proposal that could temporarily close SC State sometime Wednesday. Representative Chip Limehouse said during the committee’s discussion there will also be other options on the table that do not include closing the school, including his own proviso that appoints a financial trustee to oversee the school. A joint resolution will also be presented, put together by Representative Kenny Bingham and Representative Harold Mitchell. The resolution would put the University in the hands of the State Budget Control Board and get rid of the Board of Trustees and President. The board would make recommendations on how to get the University through it’s financial troubles. Representative Limehouse said it’s important for them to look at all the options and reach a solution sooner rather than later. “If we’re going to get the institution turned around we have to get this issue resolved and put behind us,” said Rep. Limehouse. “Right now, with the headlines being generated I don’t think South Carolina State is being well-served, whose going to apply to a school when the headlines that they read are the schools slated to be close?” Dozens of South Carolina State University supporters attended Tuesday’s meeting to show their support for the University.