Testy Senate panel debate on roads could mirror floor fight

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A committee has sent its own version of a plan to get more money for South Carolina roads to the Senate floor.

The Senate Finance Committee turned what was supposed to be a short meeting Tuesday into an hour-long debate over income tax cuts and how to reform agencies that spend highway money.

The committee was considering the roads bill passed by the House earlier this month. The panel agreed to replace that bill with a Senate proposal that has already gone through committee. The Senate plan raises more money, but doesn’t have a tax cut or reform proposals.

Republican Sen. Tom Davis wanted to cut income taxes by 2 percentage points over 10 years. It was tabled, but tax cuts will likely return on the floor.

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