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Article published Mar 11, 2005
Sanford and lawmakers agree on the basic direction of the state
budget
There is less conflict between the policies of Gov.
Mark Sanford and state House members than the governor's statements would lead
you to believe.In fact, the budget approved by the House Ways and Means
Committee represents the governor's budget factored through the political
realities of the General Assembly. It is probably the closest he could get to
his ideal budget and still gain enough votes for it to pass the legislature.The
House budget would pay back $117 million of the money lawmakers took out of the
trust funds in order to balance the budget during the recent economic downturn.
It would adopt 170 of the budget cuts Sanford recommended in his budget.Where it
really differs from Sanford's budget is in education spending. The House budget
would fully fund the Education Finance Act, increasing state education
spending.Sanford would rather see that money go toward repaying the trust funds.
The governor is probably right. Repaying the trust funds completely would put
the state in better financial shape. It would also slow the growth of state
government.But such a budget would face a much more difficult time getting
through the legislature. Which is what makes it more important for Sanford to
give lawmakers a little more understanding.In fact, lawmakers seem to be
mystified by the extent of Sanford's disagreement with them. House Speaker David
Wilkins said the governor is creating controversy where none exists. "We're in a
heated agreement with just about all of his priorities, and yet the governor
doesn't seem to understand that."House lawmakers are not opposing the governor's
direction and general policy. But they may be pushed into that opposition if
they are continually portrayed in that light.South Carolina government is
structured to have a weak executive branch. To accomplish his goals, the
governor must convince lawmakers and recruit them to his policies and
priorities.Once they are there, Sanford needs to recognize it and refrain from
making friends into enemies.