COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina senators are again debating the state's $5.9 billion general budget spending plan, and at least one lawmaker says more time is needed.
State Sen. Tom Davis said on Wednesday the debate that is now stretching into its third week hasn't been enough.
The Beaufort Republican told senators they need to look more closely at overall state spending before taking a detailed look at the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Davis noted that general taxpayer fund spending is rising nearly $800 million to $5.9 billion and spending from other state fund sources are up nearly $300 million at $8 billion.
Davis says that money should be put into covering things like the state's underfunded retiree and health care benefits.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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