COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Debate is scheduled to resume on a proposed $6 billion spending plan for South Carolina.
Tuesday's Senate debate marks the beginning of an unusually long four weeks talking about a budget that normally takes no longer than a week.
The debate has dragged on Democrats tried to block consideration of other legislation, including new limits on lawsuit payouts. But new rules are also requiring roll call votes on every section of the budget.
The spending plan locks in reductions to social welfare programs put in place earlier this year. And it includes reducing welfare-to-work payments for a mother of two from $270 monthly to $216. It also ends a variety of Medicaid services such as adult vision and dental services.
