Much work remains before a state budget is possible

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina legislators’ chief responsibility when they return for a special session will be passing a state budget for the fiscal year that starts just two weeks later. But with parts of the budget package still up for debate on both chambers’ floors, it appears highly unlikely a final spending plan will be possible before July 1.

A six-member committee of House and Senate members must reach a compromise on the chambers’ differing spending plans. But several steps must occur before the conferees say they’ll even hold another meeting. They concluded Monday that trying to reach a compromise on the main spending plan is futile with two surplus spending bills unresolved.

With so much work remaining, legislators are preparing to keep state government running after June 30 with a continuing resolution.