COLUMBIA - Key lawmakers said there will be more money for the state's roads in this year's budget and expressed support for a cigarette tax increase.

But on Thursday they said there's little chance this session of passing a program giving parents tax credits to cover tuition costs.

And Senate and House leadership said the pledge some lawmakers signed promising not to raise taxes complicates the approval of a higher cigarette tax.

"I think it's difficult to say to a member, 'I know you signed this thing, but just ignore it,'" House Speaker Bobby Harrell said.

Legislative leaders met with media from throughout the state Thursday to preview the upcoming legislative session, which starts Tuesday.

Legislators support giving more money to the Department of Transportation to build new roads and to upgrade and maintain the current ones, but only if the DOT funding is tied to reforms.

The state's Transportation Department came under intense scrutiny this fall after a Legislative Audit Council report alleged mismanagement.

Elizabeth Mabry retired from her position as DOT director this week.

Gov. Mark Sanford wants the department to be placed in his Cabinet, but a House committee will recommend a compromise giving DOT commissioners more power and Mr. Sanford and lawmakers more oversight, said Rep. Annette Young, R-Summerville.

"We are not going to give them one penny until some restructuring is done," Ms. Young said.

Mr. Sanford also has proposed raising the cigarette tax 30 cents, but using the money to fund an income tax cut.

Mr. Harrell said lawmakers who signed the tax pledge might be able to support a proposal like Mr. Sanford's because it swaps a tax cut for a tax increase.

Other lawmakers, though, said it's time to raise the cigarette tax, but they'll support an increase only if the new revenue goes to health care, especially Medicaid.

Among other topics to be addressed this session: workers' compensation and restructuring the state government to make positions such as treasurer, education superintendent and state treasurer appointed, not elected, officials.

Despite well-publicized differences with the governor, lawmakers said they want to work with Mr. Sanford.

Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, even said Mr. Sanford could become one of South Carolina's finest governors.

"Or he will be remembered as the little toe, the 'little piggy' that's saying, 'wee, wee, wee, all the way home,'" Mr. Peeler said.