Gov. Mark Sanford and I agree that the current problems that our state faces are severe. We also agree that the problems are preventable in the future if we take action now. The states are different than the federal government in dealing with downturns in the economy since they cannot print extra money and most cannot run deficits. Where we disagree is how to accomplish what needs to be done. The governor and some in the House want to impose statutory limitations on spending the money that comes in. I, and others in the Senate, want to impose spending limitations in our state constitution. This is not just a stylistic difference. I believe that it is the difference between success and failure.
The problem that we face is that in good times as much money is spent as comes in. State programs are started and expanded, growing the size and appetite of government. Then, when an inevitable downturn in the economy comes, those programs have to be cut in size. It becomes a perpetual rollercoaster of spending and cutting. It is also an approach that cannot be solved by vetoes. What we need is a systemic fix of the budgeting process.
This is but one illustration of the state government struggles nationwide–read it all.
Turning over the Hunley to the Feds, perhaps? McConnell’s part of the problem.