South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. (File / WRDW-TV)

Friday, July 6, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's budget vetoes include wiping out two agencies in an unprecedented move that puts 38 people in limbo.

Haley's vetoes remove all funding for the state Arts Commission and Sea Grant Consortium. The small agencies were slated to receive a combined $2.4 million in state money out of the Legislature's $6.7 billion budget plan. Federal money for the agencies was wiped out too.

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom said the elimination of agencies five days into a fiscal year creates an unprecedented situation. He told their directors not to incur any more expenses.

Haley eliminated funding for both agencies last year too. But the Legislature overrode those vetoes before the fiscal year started.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell is calling legislators back July 17 to consider overrides.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)