SC House struggles to reach agreement on budget plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House has postponed budget debate amid disagreements over what to do with additional money and a borrowing package that Gov. Nikki Haley opposes.

The House was expected to wrap up work late Wednesday on its $6.9 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

But leadership has been unable to reach a compromise. The House adjourned at 10 p.m. following a several-hour recess.

How to spend an influx of more than $65 million is complicating any agreement. That includes $49 million in residents’ unclaimed property at the treasurer’s office and $16.5 million in lawsuit winnings that became available this week. The GOP majority was already divided over plans to borrow $500 million for building projects statewide.

The House returns Thursday afternoon.