Across South Carolina

Sanford seeks input on which programs to cut

COLUMBIA --- Gov. Mark Sanford is asking state agency heads to meet in Columbia on Tuesday to identify programs that could be cut from the state budget.

Mr. Sanford wrote directors Thursday, asking them to prepare a list of the "least vital" 10 percent of their budget, The State newspaper reported.

The governor has asked lawmakers to return to Columbia and trim at least $400 million from the state budget because of revenue problems. Mr. Sanford wants to prepare a list of cuts lawmakers could consider before the Nov. 4 election.

The Board of Economic Advisors meets Wednesday and could cut its revenue estimate for the state by 4 percent or more. The board cut the estimate by 2 percent in July.

The Budget and Control Board already has ordered 3 percent cuts in spending.

State workers charged with abusing disabled

COLUMBIA --- Two employees of the state agency for the mentally and physically disabled have been charged with abusing a vulnerable adult and not reporting abuse.

Three other employees of the state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs were charged with failure to report the abuse.

Investigators say Terrance David Jefferson, 44, put his knee in the stomach of a 28-year-old client of the Midlands Center. Warrants also charge Erica Deshawn Outen, 37, with punching the client in the eye.

Agency spokeswoman Lois Park Mole says the employees were placed on administrative leave Aug. 10. Other facility workers reported the assault.

-- Associated Press