Editorial: Sales tax holiday an economic boost Gov. Mark Sanford calls it a "political gimmick" but the merchants of South Carolina are all smiles about the state's upcoming three-day tax-free weekend. For the fourth year in a row, the 5 percent sales tax on some 125 different types of school-related items will be suspended today, Saturday and Sunday. Department of Revenue officials say the suspension saved shoppers some $3 million last year, somewhat less than the $3.6 million savings reported when the tax holiday was first introduced. Gov. Sanford, who has had his hands full since taking office in January with diminishing state revenues, isn't a fan of the sales tax holiday. During a recent televised phone-in talk show, he criticized the idea and blamed his predecessor, Democrat Jim Hodges, for introducing a program that takes money away from state coffers. To be sure, times are tight for state budget makers. For the past three years, which includes Hodges' administration, mid-year budget cuts have been made and the picture doesn't appear to be getting any rosier. The state park system is selling bonus coupon books to raise money, the governor is talking about doing away with the statewide school bus system and the list of budget horrors goes on and on. But the sales tax holiday, even if it means a loss in tax revenues, is still a good idea. Since South Carolina implemented the program, neighboring Georgia and North Carolina have followed suit. It's a time of increased spending - whether it's for notebook paper, computers or new tennis shoes - which means a stimulated economy. And in the current troubled economic times, that's a good thing. Click here to return to story: http://www.lowcountrynow.com/stories/080103/LOCeditorial.shtml