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AP-SC-XGR--Senate Furlough, CORRECTION,0126

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina Senate has decided to meet only one day next week to save taxpayer money.

Senators will be in regular session Tuesday, but only subcommittees will meet Wednesday. Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell says that includes fewer than half of the 46 senators. None will meet Thursday.

The move will save taxpayers thousands of dollars in fuel reimbursements and meal and hotel allowances. Like other agencies, the legislative budgets have taken cuts.

House members will meet in regular session next week.

Last week, both chambers were out and saved taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. The House and Senate also plan to take furloughs around Easter. Leaders hope to end the legislative session two weeks early in mid-May.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 01-29-09 1358EST