Haley Says State Senate Must Cut More Taxes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Gov. Nikki Haley is demanding that South Carolina state senators cut more taxes. The Republican governor said Tuesday the Senate needs to include in its 2012-13 spending plan a reduction in personal income taxes. Haley criticized the Senate as the chamber opened floor debate on the Finance Committee’s budget proposal. Haley says she appreciates that the plan incorporates a bill reducing taxes paid by small business owners. That four-year phase-in is expected to reduce revenue by $15 million next year. But Haley insists the Senate include a second tax-cutting bill. The bill as passed by the House last month doesn’t take effect until 2013, but Haley says the $78 million should be set aside now. Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman says the budget already includes $752 million in tax relief.