As lawmakers from around the state report to Columbia today to begin the 2006 session, local legislators have specific ideas about what they expect.

Committees in the state Senate and House have met to write property-tax reform legislation.

A 2 percent sales tax to replace property-tax revenues has been put forth for debate by both bodies of the General Assembly.

"It is probably one of the toughest issues we'll face," said Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Hartsville.

Malloy said debate on property-tax reform is complex and will likely dominate the session. He also said the property-tax structure would have to be beneficial to rural counties to gain his support.

"Our property taxes are used for schools. We have to have adequate resources for areas like Marlboro, Chesterfield, Darlington and Lee counties," he said.

Rep. Denny Neilson, D-Darlington, said if any legislation regarding property tax is passed, she wants it to be examined properly.

"We should look at the whole tax structure," Neilson said. "I do not see the benefit of trading off one tax for another tax."

Malloy said he has reservations about a sales tax because it is regressive, and the property tax it would replace is a much more stable source of funding.

Neilson agreed, saying she wants to be sure that counties in the Pee Dee are not adversely affected by changes that shift the tax burden. She said she does not like the idea of keying on one tax.

Neilson also said she is concerned about how new tax legislation will influence funding for schools. She said it is imperative that school funding be stable.

Other than property tax, early childhood education as it pertains to equity in the state's schools is an issue that will have to be addressed by the General Assembly, Malloy said.

Neilson said another important issue is school choice. Legislation to promote vouchers that would allow students to choose a school failed to pass last year.

"School choice may come up again," she said. "We're going to have to look at it. I'm not for school vouchers."

Rising costs associated with Medicaid is another issue that cannot be ignored, Malloy said.