(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The final draft is being put together of a $5.2 billion House spending plan that's expected to bring reductions in South Carolina's public school, college and health care spending.
House budget writers Tuesday are dealing with a $700 million gap that comes after federal bailout cash has dried up for the budget year that begins July 1st.
That money mostly helped shield public schools, colleges and the state's Medicaid programs from steep cuts during the past two years.
The state's Medicaid program for the elderly, disabled and poor is running out of cash already. For the budget that's ending in June, the agency has a $225 million shortfall.
A $100 million bailout state bailout backed with expected surpluses and reserves should fund their care through April.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
