(Columbia-AP) July 25, 2003 - Governor Mark Sanford took suggestions from South Carolinians during a live call-in television show Thursday night.

Sanford, appearing on the program as part of his open government initiative, warned that there will be midyear budget cuts for state agencies unless the economy improves.

He fielded also questions on tourism, the state's motorcycle helmet law and tax-free weekends, as well as the state budget, education and Medicaid.

One caller suggested lottery revenue be used as a permanent source of funding for the state's Medicaid program. Sanford agreed other programs could be funded with lottery money, saying he wasn't set on putting all lottery revenue into college scholarships.

The show followed Sanford's first neighborhood office hours in Florence.

updated 8:17am by Chris Rees