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Article published Sep 26, 2004
Sanford renews call for legislative progress on priorities

There were few surprises last week when Gov. Mark Sanford spoke of his priorities for next year's legislative session. They include most of his agenda that was not enacted this year.Much of it makes sense and should be passed by lawmakers. But Sanford acknowledged that serious changes will have to be made in the Senate before real progress can be made.The governor reiterated his plan to gradually reduce the state income tax rate over several years. His plan would boost profits for small businesses and drive the state's economy, creating jobs.He renewed his push for restructuring to make the government more accountable. Too many agencies and departments are governed by independent boards and commissions. They need to be within the governor's Cabinet.These are worthwhile changes to the state that would bring benefits immediately and in the future.But the governor pointed out that they will not be made while there is "near dysfunction" in the way that the Senate operates. He called for changes in the Senate rules. And those changes are necessary.This year, the Senate was hobbled by filibusters. A handful of senators blocked the entire body from doing any work while they debated a bill that would allow police to enforce the seat belt law.These filibusters not only kept the Senate from doing the business the state needed, they reduced the Senate from the serious deliberative body it needs to be to a ludicrous time-wasting discussion about the qualities of different cheeses.The Senate should be a truly representative democratic body. It should be ruled by the majority, not a minority of a few senators with a fringe agenda.Senators must decide this year that they will reclaim their body and keep it from being an obstacle to state progress.They must vote to end filibusters when they arise. Even better, they should change the rules that allow filibusters. They should change any rule that allows one senator or a small minority of senators to block any legislation.Senators like the rules that enhance the power of each senator, allowing any one of them to have a tremendous impact on the legislative process. But that power gets in the way of the Senate's business and should be curtailed.