Gov. Mark Sanford’s plan to cut the state income tax cleared a Senate panel in about 30 minutes Wednesday — but only after senators amended it to make up for cuts in state agencies.

Governor’s plan

• Lower the state income tax in increments to 4.75 percent from 7 percent over 10 years

• Make those cuts only in years when state revenues are projected to grow by 2 percent

Senate changes

• Raise the amount state revenue must be projected to grow before the cut can take effect — to 3 percent from 2 percent

• Before tax cuts can take effect, another $100 million — or about another 2 percent of revenue — must be spent to pay debt and replenish the state’s reserve fund

Sanford says

“Obviously, we think a 2 percent revenue growth trigger is more than enough to adequately fund this tax cut and slow the growth of government.”

— Will Folks, Sanford’s spokesman, saying the governor was pleased the plan was moving ahead, but he would have preferred the bill without the amendments

Senators say

“It’s important that we address some of our pressing needs at the agencies right now after three years of deficits. We’re making a statement that, over time, we are going to reduce income taxes, it’s just going to take a little longer.”

— Sen. Wes Hayes, R-York, chairman of the Senate Finance subcommittee that approved the amended plan

What’s next

• The bill still has to gain the approval of the Finance Committee and the full Senate.

• Differences between the House and Senate versions would then be worked out in a conference committee before being sent to Sanford for his signature.

By Jennifer Talhelm