South Carolina lawmakers end formal session, to return soon

By Meg Kinnard

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)– South Carolina’s Legislature ends its regular session Thursday, ceremonially wrapping up duties. But lawmakers expect several returns later in the year to handle more work. Lawmakers plan to return after this month to deal with additional budget spending, as well as allocations for federal COVID-19 relief money. State senators approved a $10 billion spending package, which included an infusion of $1.7 billion in federal money and economic growth not previously part of the House-approved measure. Future trips to Columbia include handling any vetoes Gov. Henry McMaster may issue on their budget and the redistricting of U.S. House districts, as well as their own state House and Senate jurisdiction boundaries.