(Columbia-AP) Jan. 12, 2004 -- Governor Sanford's proposal to phase out the state's yearly contribution to the State Museum has surprised museum supporters.

Sanford's budget calls for an end to the funding in three years to free-up money for education and health programs. State funds make up almost 80 percent of the museum's budget. The museum also gets $1.2 million a year from admissions, store sales and rentals.

The State Museum is one of the few museums in South Carolina that receives state funds.

Posted 10:44pm by BrettWitt