COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Governor Nikki Haley's spokesman says she will try cutting pension benefits available to state legislators that are much better than those for other state employees.

The State newspaper reported Saturday Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said the governor intends to address the special treatment for lawmakers as a part of larger pension reforms next year.

Current and former South Carolina lawmakers who served eight years in the General Assembly can start drawing retirement benefits once they turn 60. The formula used to determine the retirement pay of legislators also is more generous than the one used for state employees.

State workers and retirees said were surprised to learn that lawmakers are eligible for far superior retirement benefits at a time cuts to their pensions and benefits are looming.