South Carolina road bill got off track at 3 critical points

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers ended their regular session this week without a road funding bill, despite both the governor and Legislature making it a priority and business groups pushing hard to do something to fix the potholes and expand lanes.

There were three critical points where the push for more road money broke down.

Some lawmakers say Gov. Nikki Haley’s demand that an income tax cut join a gas tax increase splintered the General Assembly.

Some senators weren’t happy after Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman didn’t want debate when the Senate Finance Committee discussed roads.

The final blow was Sen. Tom Davis’ filibuster after it was evident the state would have about $150 million in one-time money for highways and bridges. Lawmakers want to send that money directly to counties.