(Columbia-AP) March 24, 2004 -- A bill overhauling the state's Medicaid program passed the Senate Medical Affairs Committee on Wednesday and is heading to the Senate floor.

But, the panel's chairman pointed out that the measure may pose a quandary for the governor if it makes it to his desk.

Last week, Governor Mark Sanford said he was considering taking legal action to put an end to the practice of legislators packing bills with unrelated amendments. The Medicaid bill includes amendments for higher cigarette taxes and lower income taxes that Sanford's aides lobbied for last year.

Committee Chairman Harvey Peeler says the governor would face a tough decision if the bill passed the legislature.

Sanford spokesman Will Folks it's a moot point, because there's no way the cigarette tax will make it through the House.

Posted 8:44pm by BrettWitt