House approves 3-day special session to try to wrap up work

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s legislative session would be extended for three days under a bill given unanimous approval by the House.

The House on Wednesday approved a resolution creating a special session from June 16 through June 18. By law, the regular session must end at 5 p.m. on June 4.

But the Legislature is far from having a state budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Debate over how to fund road and bridge construction has blocked the Senate from completing its proposed budget package. GOP Sen. Tom Davis of Beaufort has been blocking a bill that spends one-time surplus money because he opposes raising gas taxes.

Adding to the debate is the potential that legislators will have an additional $400 million to spend after state economic advisers meet Friday.