S.C. House members are pleased with themselves for adopting a $5.1 billion fiscal 2004 budget bill that includes no tax increases. Members showed respect for constituents' desire that the state take no more money out of their pockets.

The budget, however, does include $37.4 million in fee increases. For instance, new alcohol sales licenses now will cost $100 more and renewals would cost $200 more ... hey, wouldn't that take more money from the pockets of folks who operate eating and drinking establishments?

These and other fee-increase victims, we're guessing, aren't going to be lining up to thank legislators for proposing to hold the line on taxes.