The House and Senate have come to an agreement on a $5.5 billion state budget for 2004-05, after more than four months of work.

The budget relies on increased tax collections and the sale of state property and state vehicles to make ends meet.

It is now in the hands of Gov. Mark Sanford, who can veto it, veto parts of it, sign it or let it become law without his signature.

Once it goes into effect July 1, here’s how it could affect you:

If you’re a public school student ...

... the state would be spending an average of $1,852 for your education next year — $100 more than this year, but $400 less than state law prescribes. Still, the additional money could mean fewer kids in your class. (Some have 30 students or more.) It also could mean bringing back some art, music or cheerleading programs at schools that have dropped them.

If you are a state employee ...

... you can expect a 3 percent raise — your first in three years — but the budget would include only $13 million for the employer contribution for health insurance, leaving each employee needing to make up another $38 per month. So, much of your raise might go to cover higher premiums.

If you are married ...

... you would get a tax break. The budget would keep up with the federal repeal of the marriage penalty. If you are filing jointly, your standard deduction would increase by $1,550 — with your savings depending on how much you make.

If you pay property taxes ...

... you might be relieved that the budget would bump up state spending for schools, taking some pressure off local governments that have been raising property taxes to make up for state shortcomings. However, the state still would spend $400 less per child than its own formula dictates.

If you are a senior citizen ...

... there is good news and bad news. The budget would pay for the SilverCard prescription plan and Medicaid for nursing homes. But the state AARP lost one of its biggest battles, creating an ombudsman program of trained volunteers to check on care given at nursing homes.

If you are an environmentalist ...

... you’re happy that the budget would put the first $10 million toward buying land for the Conservation Bank. You are also happy that it would not expand the Barnwell nuclear waste dump as originally planned. Still, the budget would not repay environmental trust funds raided in the past.

If you are Gov. Mark Sanford ...

... you have until Tuesday to decide whether to sign the budget, or veto some or all of it. One devil’s choice would be whether to commit the state to the Palmetto Bowl, a college bowl game intended for your hometown, Charleston. But that also would mean spending as much as $380,000 a year for 15 years to expand The Citadel stadium — the type of pork spending you regularly deride.

If you are a child in foster care or a disabled adult ...

... you have further cause for concern. The Department of Social Services would take a $5 million cut — much larger than most agencies — and will have been cut by 31 percent in four years. This would mean further layoffs, bigger caseloads for investigators, and the potential for increased risk to children and adults who can’t protect themselves.

If you are settling an estate ...

... valued at $400,000 to $1 million, you could be in line for a big tax break, as you wouldn’t have to pay state taxes. Democrats slam this as a break for the rich, saying an expected 300 people would benefit by an average of $43,000.

If you are a SLED agent ...

... you might be driving a new car. The budget would include $3 million to replace agents’ cars for the first time in three years. More than 60 percent have 100,000 miles on them. Some have been breaking down on emergency calls.

If you live in Beaufort ...

... you can expect the beach at Hunting Island to be renourished. The budget would include $5 million — to be matched by federal funds — toward putting more sand on the public, undeveloped beach.

If you know the tax code and are looking for a job ...

... you might be in luck. The Department of Revenue would be hiring 110 employees, including tax collectors and auditors, starting right away. Legislators accepted a promise from Revenue Director Burnie Maybank, giving him $9 million to hire new employees on his promise to raise $90 million in new tax collections.

Reach Bauerlein at (803) 771-8485 or vbauerlein@thestate.com