Sanford addresses economy

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford gave a State of the State speech Wednesday night that frankly recognized the state's dire economic condition while citing the fiscal crisis as a reason to restructure state government.

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Repeating his call for a more streamlined bureaucracy that saves money by working more efficiently to serve the people of South Carolina, Mr. Sanford reviewed his own penny-pinching measures but called on lawmakers to help him realize even greater savings as they struggle with a $350 million budget shortfall.

Despite the state's money woes, Mr. Sanford proposed some bold spending measures, such as a $2.5 million mandatory education program for prisoners. He also called for a more open state government.

"Too many people, because they were white and poor, black and rich, or just plain busy with something other than politics, have felt they had no voice in government," Mr. Sanford said to a crowd gathered at the state House chambers and those watching the live telecast.

He's helping change that, he said, by inviting people into his office once a month to discuss whatever's on their minds.

The governor detailed how his own cabinet had eliminated unneeded services and found innovative ways to do things more cheaply.

He said the budget he submitted to the legislators earlier this month was a road map for his restructuring plan. It would eliminate or combine 15 state agencies.

In an interview in Columbia with reporters before the speech, Mr. Sanford said restructuring would have a positive effect on all South Carolinians.

"If you care about the price of tuition costs, the kid going to a college or university in South Carolina, you ought to care about restructuring," he said. "If you care about standing in line in a (Department of Motor Vehicles) office for one or two hours or 15 minutes, you ought to care about restructuring.

"If you care about the tax bill you send in on April 15 and how well that money is spent, it seems to me you ought to care about restructuring."

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Thursday, January 22, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle