SC House budget-writing committee starts debate

By: ASSOCIATED PRESS | SCNOW
Published: February 21, 2012

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COLUMBIA, SC --

The House budget-writing committee has approved renewing a tax break for gun buyers.

The full committee voted 21-2 on Tuesday to insert into the state budget a sales-tax-free weekend for gun purchases on some of the busiest shopping days of the year. The "Second Amendment Weekend" would be the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Legislators approved the sales tax holiday for three consecutive years but removed it from the current budget.

Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter says it would be more fiscally responsible to leave the tax break out as legislators attempt to pass tax reform. Republicans say they plan to introduce a measure this session eliminating many sales tax breaks.

But its sponsor, Republican Rep. Mike Pitts, believes residual sales of ammunition and gun accessories over the weekend make up for any lost state revenue.

Also on Tuesday, the committee approved closing a bonus program for teachers who earn a national certification to new applicants.