Morning Buzz: Time to talk money on Volvo incentives, budget surplus

Board weighs Volvo incentives, S.C. State loan

South Carolina could finalize plans to provide $123 million in incentives for a Volvo plant in Berkeley County and extend the deadline on a $6 million loan to financially struggling S.C. State University on Tuesday.

The state Budget and Control Board will decide on issuing bonds for the Swedish automaker’s first North American plant, a move that has generated controversy.

Gov. Nikki Haley says Volvo insists on the state borrowing the money to avoid potential legislative turmoil, though the bonds will add more than $80 million in interest. Lawmakers said want to use some of a budget surplus to lower costs.

S.C. State owes the state $6 million at the end of the month. The school changed over its administration and board in the past three months and needs more time as it works to trim its deficit, which has passed $20 million.

Restarting surplus spending debate

The S.C. House of Representatives will take up this week a proposal that spends $322 million in general fund money on road, a state employee bonus and Volvo incentives. Lawmakers will likely argue for more than the proposed $150 million for roads.

20-week abortion bill talks

Six lawmakers will meet Tuesday in a conference committee to work out the differences between the S.C. House and S.C. Senate proposals to ban abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy. The Senate version of the proposal included exceptions in cases of rape, incest or severe fetal anomaly.

S.C. Republicans rally against Clinton

Republicans are expected once again to welcome 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton to South Carolina with web ads questioning her campaign. S.C. GOP leaders will hold a State House news conference Tuesday — a day before the former Secretary of State visits North Charleston and Orangeburg.

This story was originally published June 16, 2015 at 12:38 AM.