In the latest example that Democrats are – and really always have been – in control of the S.C. House of Representatives, a local government funding pool that was to have been cut by $122 million will now only be “cut” by $50 million.
Republican leaders are giving up the $72 million in “cuts” because they’re sick and tired of being criticized by Democrats.
Of course, all Republicans received in the wake of House Ways & Means Chairman Dan “Egg-Tooth” Cooper’s decision to restore the funding was … wait for it … more criticism.
“We’re pleased with the reduction in the cuts, but it’s not enough. We won’t stay quiet while our colleagues across the aisle attempt to pass the buck of responsibility”, said Democratic Leader Harry Ott (D-St. Matthews).
So yeah … nice PR management there, RINOs.
Of course the sad reality is that it doesn’t matter how much lawmakers cut these local government funds, because our state’s greedy municipalities will simply turn around and charge whatever the difference is – and a little extra for themselves – in new property tax millage.
Then they’ll inflate expenses and pocket that difference, too.
It’s a shakedown scam they’ve turned into a friggin’ art form.
Seriously, if you think state government scams are bad, you should see the annual fleecing of the taxpayers that takes place at the city, county and school board levels in this state.
That’s just how local governments here roll.
Speaking of, S.C. municipalities are currently “rolling” in it … with as much as $2 billion stored away in “reserve” funds.
All of a sudden that $72 million “cut” doesn’t seem so drastic, does it?
Anyway, we’ll have more on the state’s $21.1 billion budget soon, but on this section of it GOP has once again caved to the “grow government” special interests – with absolutely nothing to show for it but more bitching and moaning from the Dems.
WEB EXTRA:
By Ben Franklin March 6, 2009 at 7:31 pm
When did the Democrats become so vocal? I was unaware there was any Democratic influence at all in the State House! Now I could vote for these kinds of Democrats. Especially if the Republicans are the ones trying to raise my taxes!
By the right side March 6, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Wilbur: The moaning came from mostly Republicans that refused to cut the locals. They would rather be sure local waste is funded than state waste is funded. Ott is full of it. He is ignored by the Republicans these days and knows it. Sure, the dems can turn a debate into long hours but they still don’t win any votes. In his defence, Cooper wanted to cut the locals more than anyone but was over ruled mainly by the so called freshman Sanford followers. I don’t understand it either. BUT, don’t give Ott any credit cause he is too dumb to earn it.
By Pat March 6, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Is there anyone in the republican leaderhip that has any courage? Prinicples?
By donny March 7, 2009 at 1:02 am
This is all great, except that its not true. Republicans knew going into session Thursday they would only be cutting aid to local governments to 05-06 levels like everything else has been cut. The Dems apparently didn’t know and spent the whole day complaining about how the Repubs were killing local govts and they would just HAVE to raise taxes. Republicans are offering a balanced budget without raising taxes or fees while the Democrats have promised to vote against any budget without a tax increase.
By the way, the aid to subdivision fund is the only source of revenue for some municipalities in the state that have no property tax base. There is no “growth in government” in this at all, you are completely wrong.
Oh, and all the “reserve” funds counties are sitting on…here’s the scoop, genius…counties collect a vast majority of their operating funds in January with property taxes. The fiscal year begins in July so anything they carry over is classified as “reserves” — its an accounting term, but it is what they need to operate until the next January.
By fitsnews March 7, 2009 at 1:05 am
Donny, Donny, don’t be a hero.
We know ALL about the reserve funds you speak of b/c we’re the only outlet in the state covering them.
These funds are not some “hey it’s january and we’ve got a reserve!”
These are collected over several years – and are increased in most cases every year.
“It’s an accounting term.”
Sheesh. Go back to the failing SC public school you came from, dude.
-FITS
By duh March 7, 2009 at 8:29 am
You guys just dont get it. Republicans have cut this government fat so much that they’ve cut into bone. They’re horrible at managing the state’s revenue. They’ve left us in a terrible position now where we MUST find new revenue. Unfortunately, they’ve also passed laws capping what sources of revenue can be tapped into. So now they have two options: Raise state taxes, or pass the buck onto local governments and make them deal with the problem. It’s unbelievable what they’re doing. Don’t try and change the subject and blame the Democrats here. This is a House Republican-created problem, they should be the ones that deal with it, not local governments.
By BIN News Editorial Staff March 7, 2009 at 11:40 am
willie, willie, willie. You are a cheap political pimp.
How do you know Donny went to a public school?
And how do your know if it is “failing”?
willie (lower case “w”), you are nothing but a political pimp.
Donnie, keep to the high road. Let willie do the mud.