The old joke goes like this: I'm from the government -- and I'm here to help.

We rightly snicker at that line because it seems that much of what government does is backward when you compare it to common sense. We're trying to shake things up in Columbia to see if we can give our state government a wake-up call.

But what I want to discuss briefly is something more important -- how we help one another.

Recently, devastating storms pounded South Carolina. Much of the damage can be found in (Aiken County). Even worse, some of the hardest-hit areas are the poorest areas. Many people lost homes and valuables. The cleanup is still going on.

In all the bad news that came with the storms, there is a glimmer of good news.

In addition to there being no loss of life, the community response -- neighbors helping neighbors -- renews my faith in humankind.

I saw neighbors opening their homes to others in need. I saw strangers volunteering to help people recover from storm damage. I saw the Red Cross, Salvation Army, power companies, emergency responders and others step up to help.

I saw government entities take initiative, find answers and provide cleanup and repairs, all in quick order. It is easy to criticize these people, but we should give credit when it's due them. They've done a good job.

In case you helped but nobody had time to tell you "thank you," let me do that now. Your kindness, quick work and caring attitude ruled the day. I know I was inspired by your examples of unselfish help.

In the Senate, we will soon delve into the $7 billion state budget. The budget is always a difficult issue, but this year it will be even more so. Last year the state had a surplus of approximately $1.5 billion. Rather than setting money aside for a rainy day, the Legislature spent the entire surplus.

Based on recently released figures by our state's economic advisers, we have less revenue coming in this year than expected. With no money set aside for this year's "rainy day," we are forced to make difficult financial decisions.

The budget is now in the Senate Finance Committee, and it'll be on the Senate floor soon. I'm committed to a responsible budget. If we have to make tough financial decisions, let's make them. However, let's not spend tons of money on unnecessary pork projects while cutting state agencies and giving state employees a pay raise that's less than the inflation rate.

I'm also enjoying the neighborhood chats I'm having with people in the district. If you haven't made it out to one, you'll have more opportunities. I'm planning to schedule these meetings every few months in your communities. We'll advertise them and post the list on my Web site, www.senatormassey.com.

In the meantime, you can always contact me by telephone at (803) 480-0419, by e-mail at shanemassey@scsenate.org, or regular mail, P.O. Box 551, Edgefield, SC 29824. Or just pull me aside when you see me.

Shane Massey represents District 25 in the South Carolina Senate.