SC House to begin debating 2012-13 budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House is debating its proposed $6.5 billion spending plan for the coming year.

Debate on the state budget opens Monday on the House floor, as Gov. Nikki Haley travels the state demanding that legislators include her proposal to cut $140 million in corporate and personal income taxes.

The Ways and Means Committee’s plan gives most public employees a 2 percent raise. It also increases by $153 million a key education funding source that primarily pays the salaries of teachers and assistants.

Money to local governments will be an area of contention. Democrats will fight to send more money to counties.

Haley’s proposed budget calls for workers to go a fourth year without a raise and would decrease education spending by $80 million.