Many South Carolinians know that living below one's means can keep them out of debt and give them the freedom to buy and achieve the things they want.

That is the same principle Gov. Mark Sanford has brought to the budgeting process again this year. Just as families must establish priorities for the things they think are necessary, the governor thinks state agencies must also establish priorities.

... This year's sessions began by examining the minute programs that can drain needed money from state government. For example, the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department director recounted efforts to privatize bait shops at parks and campgrounds, which cost his department money that could be used for a more important purpose.

It may seem like an ornery process, but it helps to establish priorities for the goods and services that South Carolinians consider important. State agencies provide services that someone has considered important at one time or another.

But some aren't as important as others.

The mid- and late-year budget hearings are a prelude ensuring that ... education, health and public safety don't sustain additional and midyear budget cuts that severely diminishes their ability to provide services ...

The future of budgeting in South Carolina must include department-by-department cuts and individual program cuts instead of across-the-board percentage cuts ...