Posted on Thu, May. 13, 2004


Sanford criticized for "inappropriate" appearance at BEA


Associated Press

Gov. Mark Sanford's surprise appearance before the state's economic advisory board Thursday was criticized by at least one key lawmaker in his own party.

The Republican Sanford asked the Board of Economic Advisors not to include in its revised estimate of state tax collections any money from untested sources.

Sanford focused on $90 million the Revenue Department says it can deliver by increasing its tax collection enforcement. "It involves treading new ground that we haven't traveled before," Sanford said. Depending on money that should be "icing on the cake" could be a problem if the dollars don't materialize, he said.

That money was not included in the revised estimate.

The board said strong sales and income tax collections would generate an additional $123 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1. The board also said it expects collections in the current year to exceed expectations by about $130 million. Some of that new money was included in amendments to the budget the House adopted Thursday.

Sanford's pitch to the board was "inappropriate," House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said.

Harrell appoints one of the board's three voting members, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman appoints one and Sanford appoints the chairman. Revenue Department chief Burnie Maybank, a gubernatorial appointee, serves as a nonvoting member.

"From what I've heard, he tried very hard to influence the BEA today," Harrell said. "I think it was totally inappropriate to try to sway the BEA in either direction."

Leatherman was at the meeting Thursday to answer questions. While he didn't criticize the governor for being at the meeting, he did refuse a seat at the table with the advisers and the governor.

"For me to go and sit at that table while they're deliberating, that's not for me to do," Leatherman said. "I'll never do that."

Sanford spokesman Will Folks said the governor was doing what he was supposed to do.

"It is totally appropriate for the governor to advise the BEA of facts that he believes should be considered in order for the BEA to make its decisions," Folks said. Sanford exercised that duty "in an open forum, in front of the press, in a duly noticed public meeting."

Leatherman and Harrell said they expect to finish work on the $5.4 billion state budget early next week. Sanford could have the spending plan on his desk by Thursday to begin considering vetoes, Leatherman said.

Leatherman and Sens. Linda Short, D-Chester and Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, are on the Senate's half of a conference committee working out final budget language. Harrell and Reps. Dan Cooper, R-Piedmont, and William Clyburn, D-Aiken, represent the House.





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