MORNING BUZZ: SC lawmakers make summer plans for passing state budget

Senators take up state budget holdover

S.C. lawmakers likely will not pass a budget by July 1 – a day after this year’s budget ends and a new fiscal year begins.

The conference committee of House and Senate members trying to work out a deal on a year-long state budget plan adjourned Monday without action, signaling that the panel would not meet until all budget-related bills have been resolved. That process could put lawmakers past the July 1 deadline for a state budget.

In preparation, the Senate Finance Committee is meeting to take up a resolution that would continue to fund state government at current levels starting on July 1. (11 a.m. / Gressette 105)

Gas tax opponents to hold State House presser

An “ideologically diverse group of citizen organizations” are coming together to discuss “the legislature’s failed attempt to raise the fuel tax this year,” according to a news release from the coalition.

Representatives of the S.C. Policy Council, the S.C. League of Women Voters, the Coastal Conservation League, the Campaign for Liberty and Americans for Prosperity will come together to discuss an effort – dead for the year, but likely to gain steam in January – to raise the gas tax to generate money for roads.

The activists have been pushing for lawmakers to reform the way transportation dollars are spent before raising any new money for roads. (2 p.m. / State House first-floor lobby)

Catch The Buzz: Blog updated all day / Twitter / Facebook

Get the newsletters: Sign up for the Morning Buzz and afternoon update

Got a tip?: Send us an email