SC budget could direct treasurer to review audits

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis says putting his office in charge of audit findings could save the state money and fix problems before they become a crisis.

Loftis told The Associated Press on Monday too many audits of state agencies are put on a shelf without proper review, and someone specific needs to be responsible for following through on problems and recommendations.

The House’s budget plan for 2012-13 includes a paragraph directing the treasurer to follow up on any audit of a state agency or public college and collect any savings.

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler calls it a good, commonsense idea.

Gov. Nikki Haley vetoed a similar budget clause last year, saying giving such authority to the treasurer is unnecessary and that part of it conflicted with state law.