SC House gives key approval to budget plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has unanimously approved a $6.5 billion state spending plan that gives most employees a 2 percent raise, boosts state law enforcement and provides health coverage to more children.

The House voted 115-0 on Wednesday to give key approval to the plan for state taxes. The chamber then voted 113-0 on a separate measure designating $105 million from a rainy-day fund.

The measures face another vote in the House on Thursday before heading to the Senate.

House Ways and Means Chairman Brian White thanked members for a civil debate that began on the floor Monday.