(AP) -- State budget writers are drafting two versions of their spending plan to show how South Carolina will be affected by rejecting federal stimulus money.
The Senate Finance Committee meets Monday to begin writing two budgets.
One will include plans to use $700 million in federal stimulus money over the next two years, while the second will follow Gov. Mark Sanford's request to not use the federal money.
Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman of Florence said drafting both version will bring public awareness to what will happen if Sanford's decision holds.
Sanford wants to use the money to pay down debt, but the White House said the money must be used to help education and employment.
Leatherman has asked Sanford to reconsider his position but said legislators will use the money anyway.
Senator Leatherman's letter to Governor Sanford
Governor Sanford's response to Senator Leatherman
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