Gov. Mark Sanford’s State of the State speech included ideas a mix of legislators said they would like to work on.

But while some proposals drew wide praise — such as property tax reform, electing more black judges and expanding broadband Internet access — both Republicans and Democrats said his speech also lacked details and provided little leadership.

“He affirmed what we’re doing,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, noting the House created its agenda consulting with Sanford.

In the past, the Legislature hasn’t warmly greeted many Sanford proposals: Sanford has proposed cutting the income tax rate, giving parents tax credits to pay for private schools, and trimming state government by eliminating duplicate agencies and services.

The Legislature has embraced others, such as making it more difficult to file lawsuits.

Sanford drew the most support Wednesday for weighing in on property tax reform, suggesting local governments be given more flexibility, possibly including an impact fee.

Democrats said they were encouraged but said Sanford could have offered more.

“He didn’t say he liked either or neither,” said House Minority Leader Harry Ott, D-Calhoun, of the reform plans floated by the House and Senate. “I wish he had been more specific.

“Certainly there are some areas where we can find some cooperation with the governor.”

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said the speech did not offer much direction. On issues of property tax reform and enabling charter schools, “we’re already well down the road,” he said.

Orangeburg Democrat Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter supported Sanford’s proposals to put more black judges in place and to study how best to bring high-speed Internet to rural communities.

“I thought that was an interesting concept,” Cobb-Hunter said.

Other Democrats noted the governor barely touched on funding public grade schools, and said rising health care costs — not Medicaid — was the real problem for residents.

But while many noted what was left out of the address, Sen. Harvey Peeler, the Senate majority leader, said he thought the speech marked a new style for Sanford.

“Tonight’s speech showed me the governor has matured in office,” Peeler, R-Cherokee, said, pointing out Sanford went out of his way to credit legislators’ work.

“His message was the same, but his manner was different.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8358 or johnoconnor@thestate.com.