Sanford prepares vetoes on $5.7 billion state budget

By: Associated Press | SCNow
Published: May 18, 2009

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COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is preparing vetoes of lawmakers' $5.7 billion state budget proposal and their demand he request federal stimulus cash.

Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said Monday the governor will discuss what portions of the budget he wants nixed on Tuesday before forwarding his vetoes to the Legislature.

South Carolina stands to see $2.8 billion in federal stimulus cash flowing through state agencies and programs during the next two years.

Sanford would have to request almost $700 million of that funding but has said he won't take the federal money unless it is used to pay down debt. The White House has twice rejected that approach.

The budget bill gives Sanford five days to request the money. His vetoes would likely put the fight in court.