,COLUMBIA, S.C. — A pair of senators — a Republican and Democrat who are not seeking re-election — plan to spend this week trying to shape a bill to get more money to improve South Carolina roads and get the rest of the Senate to finally go along.
Both senators warn the process is going to take a few weeks if not longer. But they are confident they can pull together a bill that business leaders and pothole-hitting drivers have been clamoring for.
"I think you'll see all of us try to take baby steps toward consensus," said Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Columbia.
Consensus has been hard to come by. Lawmakers seem to agree any bill that raises more money for roads and highways will also need to cut taxes elsewhere and reform how the Department of Transportation is run.
But the 46 senators seem to have 46 different ideas. Conservative Republicans are leery about raising the gas tax without a significant cut in other taxes. Democrats want to make sure any tax cuts get to the largest number of people and don't threaten services. Some senators are quietly hinting the board that runs DOT doesn't need to be changed at all. The board is made up of members picked by lawmakers and an at-large appointment from the governor.
"The road funding piece, that's pretty black and white. Either you want to raise more money or you don't," said Sen. Ray Cleary, R-Murrells Inlet, who plans to work on his fellow Republicans. "But there is plenty of room for disagreement elsewhere."
Lourie and Cleary have announced they aren't running for re-election next year, leaving them more room to take a stand that might lead to a challenger in a party primary.
The House passed a bill in 2015 that would raise around $400 million a year for roads through an increase in the gas tax, and reduce income taxes by about $50 million. Rep. Gary Simrill shepherded the bill through the House and has said members are waiting to see what the Senate sends back. But the Rock Hill Republican thinks the House could alter its earlier proposal and still come up with an agreement again this year.
Gov. Nikki Haley wants lawmakers to change the DOT structure and balancing any gas tax increase with a tax cut or she will veto the bill.
The DOT announced this month it needs about $1.2 billion extra a year for repaving, bridge work and widening to get the state's roads and bridges to good condition.
The Senate adjourned last week with Cleary controlling the floor to assure a roads bill is debated. The Senate Transportation committee will take up a bill on the DOT board Tuesday morning, and the Senate Finance Committee — which would discuss any tax-related matters — is set to meet Tuesday afternoon.
The roads bill strayed from its lane last year when Sen. Tom Davis filibustered it in the final weeks of the session because he didn't think there was a need to raise taxes on gas. The Beaufort Republican was bothered by Senate President Hugh Leatherman putting together a group of four Democrats and four Republicans to discuss the roads behind closed doors, saying his and other conservatives' worries weren't heard.
Davis has been coy about his plans this year, but said last week: "I will make my case on the Senate floor."
By JEFFREY COLLINS
The Associated Press
2/4/2016
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