Dear Editor,

As we move further into what promises to be a very long election season, it would be easy for me to discuss the abundant number of political scandals surrounding our state. But I'd rather talk about something more important to the people of Barnwell County than sex scandals and backroom deals.

I want to talk about something that actually affects every Barnwell County resident: the state budget.

Earlier this month, the General Assembly passed a budget that will have lasting negative effects on future generations of South Carolinians. As many of you know, our state has been suffering from the worst economic recession in years. With that being said, this year's budget process revealed more than just facts and figures.

This budget gives us insight into the minds of our legislators; it forced them to reveal their real priorities to their constituents.
The budget is also exemplary of the fundamental differences between Democrats and Republicans. The most noticeable of these differences is their approach to spending.

After observing this year's budgeting process, it's easy to see Republicans aren't so conservative when it comes to spending. In fact, the budget proposed and passed by the General Assembly's Republican majority can be described as irresponsible at best.

This budget ignores serious fiscal problems that hang over our beloved state like a storm cloud. It creates annualizations in excess of $1.2 billion that lawmakers will have to face next year. This budget also makes severe cuts in funding for education, eliminating thousands of teaching jobs. Funding for vital health care programs that serve seniors and children was also eliminated. With a stroke of that same pen, the Republican majority called for increased financial allocations for the House and Senate!

I am disappointed that Republicans would support an increase in their own budget allocations, but support the loss of local government funds to Barnwell County of approximately $200,000, thus causing the reduction of county budgets drastically.

With our state's visibility at an all-time high for the wrong things, we can't afford to continue on the path we're on in South Carolina. We need leaders who will stop providing comedic material for late-night shows and start working to rebuild South Carolina's reputation as a state of excellence. This year's budget cuts will soon trickle into our county and force our local elected officials to show their priorities as well.

Sincerely,

S.C. Rep. Lonnie Hosey
(District 91) and
Barnwell County
Democratic Party chairman