Lawmakers voice confusion about tax plan

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Democratic and Republican legislators reacted favorably to Sanford's State of the State speech but some said they want more detail on his proposals.

Several, both Democrats and Republicans, said they were confused by Sanford's cigarette tax idea, saying it was hard to justify the need for a cigarette tax increase if it is tied to an income tax decrease.

"I don't see anybody wanting to do that," said Sen. Larry Martin, a Pickens Republican. "Maybe we don't quite understand the particulars of what he's talking about. I'm not in favor of raising one tax and eliminating another tax an equal amount."

Sen. John Land, a Manning Democrat who delivered the Democrats response after Sanford's speech, said he could support a cigarette tax increase if it was the only option. But he said he did not think Sanford's speech justified such a hike.

"If we're reducing a tax over here and then taxing my tobacco farmers, I'm not willing to do that," he said. "I was willing to do it if that was the only alternative but I'm not willing to get into a trade off."

Rep. James Smith of Columbia, leader of the House Democrats, said he wants to see more information on the tax proposal and what kind of decrease Sanford is after in the income tax.

"I don't know that I see the support right now in the House to pass," he said. Sen. Hugh Leatherman, a Florence Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said the swap idea "is worthy at looking at."

Leatherman said he thinks much of what Sanford is after will be supported by lawmakers, though his idea of restructuring government and eliminating most statewide elected officers may be too much to pass this year.

"With the budget crisis we have today, I don't feel the mood in the General Assembly to really tackle that entire package," he said. "Maybe some of it this year and the rest of it in subsequent years."

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell of Charleston praised Sanford's ideas, saying, "I think a lot of it is feasible."

"He took a structural approach to state government," he said. "There is no new money and we have to find ways to save it. I think if the things he proposed could be translated into savings, then I think there is a good chance of it passing. Any change has to translate into savings and a more efficient government."

Sen. Darrell Jackson of Columbia, a Democrat, called Sanford's ideas on restructuring "courageous." But others were not so effusive.

Sen. Gerald Malloy, a Hartsville Democrat, said he wants more justification for removing so many statewide officers and placing them under the control of the governor. "I think that's too much power in the executive branch," he said.

Land, the former leader of Senate Democrats, said while he wanted more detail, he liked much of what he heard.

"I'm open to everything he's proposed," he said.