Lawmakers in the House on Wednesday put the finishing touches on a $5.8 billion budget proposal that would restore money to education, law enforcement and the state’s trust funds.

As promised by leaders of the Ways and Means Committee, the two-day budget-writing process was quick and relatively painless — at least on paper.

About $40 million in agency reductions contained in the budget document were couched as “savings” by lawmakers.

Those are the same dollars Gov. Mark Sanford proposed withholding from agencies in his executive budget under the belief they would recoup the money from running more efficiently.

More than 170 line items in the budget — from modernizing human resources to improving on technology services — fall under the heading of “savings.”

But some agencies are doubtful those savings will materialize and already are kissing those dollars goodbye.

“We think they’re probably cuts,” said Julie Carullo, director of government relations for the state’s Commission on Higher Education.

For now, lawmakers seem content to give Sanford’s budget team full credit for balancing their budget with the theoretical cost savings.

“We’re trusting the governor’s staff has done a thorough job identifying those,” said Rep. Dan Cooper, R-Anderson. “I’m sure we’ll be hearing from some agencies if they have problems.”

The House committee did not adopt any of the large cuts Sanford proposed, including consolidating college campuses and slashing Clemson’s public service programs.

The budget-writing committee is expected to formally adopt the budget today. It then will go to the full House for consideration.

Overall, the budget would add more than $300 million in new money for a variety of programs and perks:

• The state’s per-pupil expenditure would, for the first time in five years, rise to the recommended level of $2,290.

• Teachers would get a pay increase and more money for school supplies.

• State employees would get a 4 percent pay increase.

• Law enforcement officers would get a 10 percent raise and more than $5 million for new vehicles.

With strong revenues projected, lawmakers were almost giddy in their ability to spend on new budget items.

They even included $50,000 to erect a statue of James “Radio” Kennedy, the mentally handicapped adult mascot of an Anderson high school who was the subject of a 2003 film.

“The last four years have been pretty brutal, so we’re happy we’re able to do some positive things this year,” Cooper said.

Scott Price, a lobbyist for the S.C. School Boards Association, said the feeling is contagious.

“There wasn’t too much discussion going on in committee, but it looks like it’ll be pleasant surprise,” he said.

Reach Stensland at (803) 771-8358 or jstensland@thestate.com.