Sanford questions SC lawmakers’ spending plans

Gov. Mark Sanford says South Carolina legislators are wasting money and avoiding government streamlining in a $5.7 billion state spending plan.
   
Sanford said Monday this week is the last chance citizens will be able to bring pressure on legislators before the budget hits his desk. He expects the Senate will go along this week with changes in the budget the House is making that include using $350 million in federal stimulus cash despite Sanford’s objections.
   
The governor questioned spending on a new Capitol Police Force, moving the Aeronautics Commission out of his control and rejecting efforts to cut mileage reimbursement rates.
   
House budget committee Chairman Dan Cooper of Piedmont expects to offer a final version of the budget Tuesday.