Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  The House has amended its budget plan to allow scholarships for private school tuition, make it easier for veterans to attend South Carolina colleges and end the exit-exam requirement for a high school diploma.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013  Senators have advanced a measure to keep government running at current levels if legislators can't finish a budget before the fiscal year starts July 1.

Monday, May 13, 2013  The Senate's 2013-14 budget could buy $15 million worth of new school buses for South Carolina's aging fleet.

Friday, May 03, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has approved a budget proposal that expands full-day 4-year-old kindergarten, gives state workers a slight raise, and puts more troopers on the highways.

Thursday, May 02, 2013  The Senate Finance Committee has refused to expand Medicaid eligibility to more poor adults as part of the state budget.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  The House budget-writing committee has advanced a spending plan that includes $75 million for Medicaid initiatives designed to improve residents' health.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013  The House's budget-writing committee is putting together its spending plan for coming fiscal year.

Thursday, July 19, 2012  Budget overrides by the South Carolina Senate reopen two agencies, give $10 million to districts for salary increases and transfer that same amount to the Commerce Department to close deals.

Friday, July 06, 2012  South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's budget vetoes include wiping out two agencies in an unprecedented move that puts 38 people in limbo.

Friday, July 06, 2012  South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's 81 vetoes of the Legislature's spending plans would wipe out the state Arts Commission, cut money for teachers' pay raises, and designate less money to a Commerce Department fund used to close economic development deals.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012  South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is chastising legislators for not sending her a budget yet, a day after her spokesman said it's unacceptable for the Legislature not to pass a budget within their six-month regular session, which ended June 7.

Monday, June 25, 2012  House and Senate members remain deadlocked over a budget compromise, days from a looming government shutdown.

Monday, June 25, 2012  A panel of House and Senate members is resuming discussions to try to reach a compromise on the state budget as time runs out on the fiscal year.

Thursday, May 24, 2012  The South Carolina Senate has rejected efforts to remove money from the state budget for private nonprofits and local projects.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012  Senators are still battling over their version of the state's spending plan.