COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - "Bingo" was the one of the first words spoken Tuesday as senators began debating Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to lower the state's top income tax rate.

Sen. Brad Hutto proposed an amendment to the tax plan that would led the Catawba Indian Nation open a high-stakes bingo operation in Orangeburg County near Interstate 95.

"This will bring eleven hundred jobs," the Orangeburg Democrat said. "We will be bringing money into the coffers of this state."

The tribe wants to build an electronic bingo hall in Santee, but they need the General Assembly to pass legislation allowing the operation.

The Catawbas have said if the General Assembly does not pass the legislation before it adjourns, they will put video gambling machines on their reservation near Rock Hill.

The Catawbas recently sued in federal court to assert they have the right to operate the video gambling machines, which the state outlawed in 2000.

Sanford's spokesman Will Folks said the governor does not think a 1993 agreement allows a second bingo operation in Santee, and it would be illegal for the Catawbas to operate the machines on the reservation.