Across South Carolina

Governor's budget trip upsets 2 lawmakers

COLUMBIA --- Legislative leaders said Thursday that Gov. Mark Sanford should be spending more time coming up with budget cuts instead of flying around the state calling for them.

Mr. Sanford flew to Highway Patrol offices in Florence and Greenville and a probation department office in Greenville to get the public involved in what promises to be a months-long battle over how to deal with an expected budget shortfall.

Last week, the state Budget and Control Board, which Mr. Sanford heads, voted 3-2 for an across-the-board cut of 3 percent, or $188 million, to head off budget problems. Mr. Sanford wanted a 1 percent cut and called on legislators to return for a special session and make more specific cuts in agency spending.

On Thursday, he sent out a news release calling on residents to pressure legislators to deal with the budget before they return in January. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate Finance Committee Hugh Leatherman responded with press releases of their own, saying January is soon enough to address budget problems.

"If the governor had taken the time to ask before announcing his press flyaround, he would have found out that I believe that targeted budget cuts are the right thing to do," said Mr. Harrell, R-Charleston.

-- Associated Press