News and Press Releases for April 2006

Back to April 2006 Releases

04/25/2006

Gov. Sanford Issues Statement on Senate Budget

Governor Compliments Repayment of Trust Funds, Urges Senate to Send Dividend to the Taxpayer

Columbia, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on the Senate budget, which will be debated beginning today:

"While I'd compliment the Senate for taking a step forward on fiscal responsibility with their complete repayment of trust and reserve funds, there's still much to be done in terms of putting together a budget that truly looks out for the taxpayers of this state," Gov. Sanford said. "It's particularly disappointing that the Senate is preparing to spend nearly $1 billion more than last year without dedicating any new money toward a dividend for taxpayers."

"Money is coming into Columbia quickly this year because we're seeing growth in the economy, and if we want that to continue we need to hold the line on spending and return a dividend to the taxpayer - where it will have the maximum impact on growing the economy." the governor said. "As we all saw just a few years ago, spending every dollar that comes in year after year can ultimately result in cuts to core government functions, which is bad news for the people paying for and receiving those services. Now is the time for fiscally conservative friends in the Senate to step up and help stop this spending train, so we can send a dividend back to the taxpayers or at a minimum set aside more money for a rainy day."