The South Carolina state is seeking to give extra tax incentives to those who are married.
Married couples in South Carolina would save an average of $27 a year on their state income taxes under a bill given key approval Wednesday.
House Republicans pushed the tax break as a way to show support for marriage, but Democrats said it is not enough to buy a tank of gas.
"We think marriage is a bedrock institution in our society. Any time we can affirm our support, we'll do that," said House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island. "We want to help married couples in any way possible."
The measure would eliminate the bottom tax rate for married couples filing jointly by 2010 through three years of cuts.
The actual tax break would vary depending on a couple's earnings.
Democrats called it foolish to approve a tax cut in this tight budget year for many people who don't need it and won't notice it. They tried unsuccessfully to amend the bill to target poorer residents, both married and single.
"The driving force behind marriage is love, love and commitment, not tax incentives," said Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Greeleyville.
But Many people are concered that marriage is a sacred institution which should stand on faith and mutual trust rather than on tax incentives.