By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina legislators are overriding Gov. Mark Sanford's vetoes of the $5.7 billion state budget and his refusal to accept federal stimulus funds.
The Senate voted 34-12 Wednesday to override Sanford's veto of nearly all of the $5.7 billion spending plan. The Senate then began debate on Sanford's veto of the provision requiring him to request $700 million in federal stimulus money.
The governor was expected to lose that fight as well.
Earlier in the day, the House issued its overrides for the two budget sections.
Legislators said the stimulus money is needed to head off deeper cuts in public school budget and double-digit college tuition increases. Sanford insists that he won't request the money unless it is used to offset state debt.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 05-20-09 1836EDT
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