South Carolina’s budget problems call for decisive action. And Gov.-elect Nikki Haley is working on a restructuring plan for state agencies that will produce badly needed savings. The Legislature should be preparing to join that effort when the session begins next month.
So far, Gov.-elect Haley has mainly recommended consolidation of Cabinet agencies to reduce overhead and limit administrative duplication. She also is looking at other state agencies largely controlled by legislatively appointed boards and commissions.
With a budget shortfall of $800 million looming, state leaders should do what they can to make cost reductions where possible, while preserving essential state services.