Rep. Bobby Harrell, who directed the budget preparations as Ways and Means chairman, blames the state Senate, and not without reason. The Charleston Republican notes that the House approved two bills last year to shorten sessions, and both have languished in the Senate.

In yet another year of agency budget cuts and revenue shortfalls, the Legislature should be willing to set an example of frugality and efficiency for the rest of government. There is no good reason for the Legislature to remain in session from mid-January through early June.

That is painfully evident most years as the session nears its mandatory end and lawmakers stir from their languor to expedite the passage of essential legislation. The speed with which last-minute business is accomplished shows that the Legislature is capable of moving with dispatch once it gets in gear. Pity that can't happen earlier in the year.

Rep. Harrell says he expects the House to take one or two week-long furloughs during the session, while it awaits action from the Senate. That will save the state legislative expenses, and give representatives a break to attend to their own business back home.

If the Legislature as a whole could compress its schedule, there would be further savings and, as important, increased opportunity for other South Carolinians who are interested in offering for legislative service.

The obligations of time in a lengthy session mean that comparatively few can make the financial and domestic sacrifices required for legislative service.

Consequently, the state's business remains in thrall to legislators who apparently would rather hang around Columbia for nearly five months each year, and who are able to use the power of incumbency to remain in office. Shortening the session would provide greater opportunity for an occasional breath of fresh air to blow through the Statehouse, while reducing the state's expense of putting up the legislators in the capital.