It's been a long time since anyone has taken a fresh look at South Carolina's budget. ...

The budget has always been based on what the state has done before. The process is biased in favor of the status quo. It makes real change difficult.

That may change because of the severity of the state's financial problems and because of a couple of actions Gov. Mark Sanford is taking. ...

The governor is holding budget hearings now, almost a year before the next budget will be finalized. He is discussing the financial needs of state agencies and departments with those who run the state's programs. ...

The combination of Sanford's hearings and the Management, Accountability and Performance Commission could provide the state with a valuable, fresh look at the state budget -- from the perspective of a governor with no allegiance to the status quo but with a desire for improvement and efficiency. ...

A fresh take on the budget will be invaluable as the state struggles to provide services with dwindling resources. Continuing to cut all programs by specific percentages is a shortsighted solution. It would be better for the state if programs that provide little benefit were eliminated so that money could be spent on more effective programs.

That won't happen under the current system, geared toward the perpetuation of all state programs. It will take a new perspective on state spending and efficiency.