USC president Andrew Sorensen and MUSC president Ray Greenberg made a rare joint trip to the State House on Tuesday.

They were there to thank legislators for overcoming a gubernatorial veto and passing the Life Sciences Act, which puts up to $220 million toward the research universities.

“We want you to know how important this is, not just to the institutions but to the economic development of this state,” Greenberg told the House Republican Caucus.

Sorensen and Greenberg also met with members of the House Democratic Caucus and senators from both parties.

They did not visit Gov. Mark Sanford, who vetoed what he calls a pork-rich Life Sciences Act and has threatened to sue the Legislature over the bill.