Senate's higher-ed bill stalls in House

A controversial Senate bill that would shower millions of dollars on the state's colleges hit a bump Tuesday when the House of Representatives opted to take a closer look.

The bill would free an estimated $250 million for campus construction by raising the state's debt limit and establish a state-run venture capital fund, among other things.

The bill sailed through the Senate last week and had been expected to do the same in the House. Tuesday, House Ways and Means Chairman Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said the bill had serious flaws that must be hammered out.

Harrell said inconsistencies in the bill's language would make it difficult for the state's three research universities to split bond money with the 30 colleges.

Under the split, the University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina would share up to $220 million for construction of new research buildings, if they can get a dollar-for-dollar match.

The remaining $30 million would be split by the state's four-year and technical colleges for maintenance on existing buildings.

He said the delay was not related to an amendment added by the Senate that would allow USC Sumter to offer four-year degrees.

"We don't have major disagreements about the content of the bill, but there are some problems that need to be worked out," Harrell said.

The Sumter amendment annoyed Gov. Mark Sanford, who advocates shrinking the state's higher education system, and led many to believe he would veto the bill. Sanford spokesman Will Folks said many attractive parts of the bill are being threatened by "political tack-ons."

"(Sanford) is not against discussing USC Sumter's request, but let's do it on its own merits," Folks said. He did not say whether Sanford would veto the bill if it passes.

Harrell said it is not clear if the General Assembly could muster enough votes to override a veto.

"It's close," he said. "When a governor vetoes a bill it changes the dynamics in the House and Senate dramatically."