The House upheld a veto to cut a job-training program for inmates, even though some Republicans argued the program reduces recidivism and will save money long-term.
But legislators nearly unanimously overrode vetoes to cut $4 million from the state's technical colleges. Some lawmakers said it was madness to eliminate money to run the schools that businesses rely on and that are vital as jobless workers seek training. "Don't eliminate technical education in this state," said Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Greeleyville. "This whole thing doesn't make any sense!"Tensions flared after legislators overrode vetoes to save Clemson University agricultural programs that include livestock disease inspections, but upheld a veto of an economic development program through South Carolina State University, the state's historically black public college. Black legislators said they were baffled and concerned by the difference in the votes.
