Watch: House Starts Debate on Spending Plan
The proposed budget includes roughly $7.5 billion for the fiscal year starting July 1st.
Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — The House of Representatives took up the state’s spending plan on Monday afternoon. The proposed budget includes roughly $7.5 billion for the fiscal year starting July 1st.
The House passed through several sections of the budget without any debate Monday and also started making progress on amendments to help fix South Carolina roads.
Lawmakers approved a measure that calls for the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer $100 million to the state highway fund which will add to the roughly $25o million already suggested in the budget to go to fixing the states roads and bridges.
While the house did not engage in any major debate on roads funding Monday, lawmakers say they expect to reach a more in-depth discussion this week to find a more permanent solution to funding the states crippling roads system.
“It does leverage more money for roads, but not in a stable recurring permanent revenue source, it just adds a little bit more to that line,” said Representative James Smith.
“Roads are always a long term project and we’re trying to fund it in an 18-20 month funding cycle,” said Representative Kirkman Finlay. “We’ve got to continue to find ways to get long term funding in place to take care of roads.”
Aside from roads, lawmakers say they will also spend more time this week debating and introducing amendments for education and healthcare in the state.
