COLUMBIA - This week, the House renewed its support for a preschool pilot program.

The program, which would cost about $5.5 million the first year and $5.4 million the next, is in response to a judge's ruling in a lawsuit earlier this year that the state does not do enough to educate preschoolers, especially those who live in poverty.

House members approved a bill outlining the program this week. The House budget proposal for fiscal year 2007, which starts July 1, already includes $6 million for a pilot program.

The Senate budget plan proposed $24 million to fund the program statewide.

"The Senate says, 'We've got the money, let's go with the whole shooting match,'" said Rep. Skipper Perry, R-Aiken.

Mr. Perry noted that through a conference committee, the House and the Senate will have to agree on a single budget proposal.

If lawmakers approve the House's plan, the school districts involved in the lawsuit would get the pilot program.

Those are Allendale, Dillon 2, Florence 4, Hampton 2, Jasper, Lee, Marion 7 and Orangeburg 3.

Also this week, the House approved a suspension of the state's 16.8-cent gas tax for the final three months of this year.

Supporters say it's another option, beyond property tax relief, to ensure that South Carolinians benefit from a rebounding economy.

"That money belongs to them in the first place, and they certainly need it more than I think our government does," said Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, a candidate for state treasurer.

Gov. Mark Sanford estimates that the average family would save $63.

Also this week:

- The Senate passed a property tax plan after four weeks of debate. The "local option" plan gives counties the ability to increase sales tax to replace county or school-operations property taxes.

- The House voted to sustain Mr. Sanford's veto of a bill that would have allowed Lexington Medical Center to build a heart-surgery center without approval of the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

- The General Assembly approved the establishment of the Vulnerable Adults Investigation Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to coordinate investigations into abuse, neglect or exploitation of seniors and the disabled.

- The House honored Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia, who will miss the final weeks of the session as he begins officer training at Fort Benning, Ga.