Not once, in nearly a half century, has the House unanimously approved a spending plan. But Tuesday lawmakers did just that, agreeing to a $5.8 billion budget bill by a vote of 107-to-0.

With more than $300 million in additional revenues to work with this year, budget writers were able to appease nearly every lawmaker. Even those who wanted more were swept up in the tide of bipartisan support.

In a chamber rife with conflicting priorities and personalities, members had just one word to describe the day: "historic."

The budget process typically takes a week, if not longer, to complete. But House members gave the crucial second reading to the budget bill after just one and a half days of discussion.

Last year, members proposed 373 amendments to the budget. This year, there were 131 and a majority of them were withdrawn without consideration, budget staff reported.

"The reality is we all pulled together and realized what the priorities were: education, restoring trust funds and beefing up law enforcement," said Rep. Bobby Harrell, a Charleston Republican.

Many House members credited Harrell, Ways and Means chairman and the lead budget writer, for the smooth process. He was helped by the fact there was money to go around for the first time in many years.

"I think it's a unique year because we've had five straight years with budget cuts," Rep. Dan Cooper, an Anderson Republican member of the budget writing committee.

"This year, we had enough money to fund projects that had been neglected."

Some lawmakers said the unanimous vote sends a message to Gov. Mark Sanford, who criticized the House for not reining in new spending in the budget.

Rep. Michael Anthony, a Union Democrat, said Sanford "better keep (the veto pen) in his pocket."

"When the vote's 107 to nothing, I don't think he can question too much of what we've done," Anthony added.

Will Folks, Sanford's spokesman, said the governor wanted the House to go further in replenishing trust funds.

"We have maintained that restoring trust and reserve funds before adding too many new dollars is central to getting the state's fiscal house in order," Folks said.

WHAT CHANGED

The House did make a few changes, including one by Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island, that diverted about $120,000 to the Barnwell trust fund. But for the most part, little changed.

Most of the objections came from Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia, who disagreed with some education cuts. He originally voted against the budget but decided to change his mind at the last minute. "There are some shortcomings but, overall, I thought it was worth supporting," the former Democratic leader said.

The core of the bill -- which pours money into education, gives state employees raises, boosts law enforcement salaries by 10 percent and increases Medicaid funding by $67 million -- remained the same.

House members approved amendments that provide funding to improve courtroom security, keep alive a radio reading program for the blind, and restore a computerized journal service at the State Library.

The Lowcountry's delegation effectively warded off any attacks on the millions designated for projects in the area. House budget staff estimated the approved budget included $17.2 million earmarked for local colleges, historic sites and social services.

The money for Charles Towne Landing, the state's birthplace, is still included, as is money for the College of Charleston, the Old Exchange Building and Spoleto, among others.

Rep. Shirley Hinson, a Goose Creek Republican, also included $200,000 to expand the Callen Lacy Home, a program for abused children in Berkeley County. Rep. Annette Young, a Summerville Republican, added another $500,000 to build a home for abused children in Dorchester County.

The bill will get the obligatory third reading today and then go across the hall to the Senate for deliberations. The Senate traditionally makes many changes to the bill, as lawmakers there try to fund projects they believe the House ignored. But Harrell and others said even that process would be subdued.

"We have such unanimity in the House," he said. "I expect it to carry over to the Senate."