SC House gives key approval to new formula for local funding

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has given key approval to a bill that would alter the formula the state uses to provide money to local governments for things like social services, courts and libraries.

The House on Wednesday passed changes to a 1991 formula that the Legislature has not fully funded in seven years.

Bill supporters say the formula was an antiquated relic, based on money the state collected from the previous budget year.

The new formula is based on the current budget year. But it also gives the fund about what it is paying now, instead of the 4.5 percent of last year’s general fund budget mandated by the 1991 law.

Counties opposed the bill, saying they needed all the money promised.

The bill will move to the Senate.