SC Senate, House leaders still apart on $8B budget

COLUMBIA (AP) Members of a committee trying to hash out the difference between the proposed South Carolina budget passed by the House and Senate have made little progress.

The conference committee discussing the $8 billion state budget met for the first time June 18, but immediately noted an impasse on how to spend $67 million at first earmarked to pay debts.

Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman wants to use the money to pay for a new crime lab for the State Law Enforcement Division as well as extra money to state prisons.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian White says House members have different ideas.

The state’s current budget ends June 30, but lawmakers passed a bill before adjourning in May to continue funding until a spending plan is approved.