Exit exam, tax credits part of SC House budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House has amended its budget plan to allow scholarships for private school tuition, make it easier for veterans to attend South Carolina colleges and end the exit-exam requirement for a high school diploma.

Lawmakers on Wednesday approved tacking the proposals onto the House’s 2013-14 state budget plan, giving them a chance for passage this year.

A conference committee of House and Senate members is expected to begin meeting later this week to hash out the differences in their separate spending plans.

Both versions now include a limited school choice provision, though the House amendment doubles the impact, to $10 million.

The clause allows businesses and residents to earn tax credits by donating to groups that provide private tuition scholarships to students who are poor or disabled.