One day after Gov. Nikki Haley vetoed a bill that would have provided $40 million to farmers who suffered losses in last year's historic flooding, House lawmakers voted to override the governor's veto.
“The South Carolina House recognizes the unprecedented loss that our farmers experienced last October and understands the economic impact at stake if these concerns are ignored,” House Speaker Jay Lucas said. “Governor Haley’s factually inaccurate justification for vetoing the Farm Aid bill is inconsistent with South Carolina values."
Haley said Monday she vetoed the bill because it gives farmers help not available to other small businesses. Haley says farmers have crop insurance and federal aid to cover their losses.
The 112-2 vote to override on Tuesday was a sharp rebuke to the Republican governor and well over the two-thirds margin needed. The bill now heads to the Senate.