Senate leader revives borrowing bill; Haley with veto threat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has written a letter to the leader of the South Carolina Senate, saying she will veto any bill that borrows money for construction projects statewide.

Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman says he will craft a bill next week to address the state’s backlogged building needs.

The Florence Republican gave no estimate Wednesday of the amount his bill will seek. He said Thursday the threat of a governor’s veto doesn’t scare him from doing the right thing.

The House Ways and Means Committee proposed borrowing $500 million for projects statewide. But its leaders moved to kill the idea during last month’s budget debate amid opposition from Haley.

In Wednesday’s letter, Haley says she will vigorously oppose Leatherman’s proposal like she did the House bill.