The spending plan does rely on getting over $19 million dollars in federal stimulus money, but $11.4 million dollars must still be cut.

The Pickens County School District has eliminated more than 100 jobs, but hopes to place many of those workers in new positions.

South Carolina legislators hope to wrap up work on the state’s $5.6 billion budget and send the bill to the governor’s desk this week.

SC legislators to resume $5.7B budget debate

Gov. Mark Sanford’s allies in the Senate are rolling out a budget proposal that uses more than $400 million in Medicaid cash to pay for school programs in South Carolina.

Governor disputes report that he is drafting a counterproposal on state spending that will delay committee work on a spending plan.

South Carolina’s budget debate has resumed with a coastal legislator arguing that colleges should freeze tuition because they’re getting federal stimulus help.

A preview of things on the agenda for next week in the General Assembly.

The Governor and South Carolina Policy Council president say most South Carolina citizens think the state budget is $6 Billion a year, but it’s actually about three times that: $21 Billion.

Greenville School officials confirmed with us Wednesday morning they’d be cutting their work force to deal with state budget cuts.

A spokesman for the House of Representatives said Tuesday that members of the chamber will not be paid for three weeks in March and April. Staff members will have 10 days of unpaid leave been January and June.

The paper reported the employees will be let go on Dec. 31. In addition, the county commissioners have also delayed the purchase of 18 cars.

Sanford’s request Monday sets the stage for reductions in January to the $6.5 billion budget. But the cuts could come in a couple of weeks when a financial oversight board discusses a shortfall of $103 million, or 2 percent.

State schools Superintendent Jim Rex sent an e-mail to employees Wednesday explaining the mandatory furloughs.

University President Jim Barker said Monday he will take the furlough along with professors, coaches and other staff members. Barker said the furloughs will be staggered, starting in December through next June.