Senator Shane Martin responds to Budget Vetoes by Governor

Governor Tries to Prioritize Spending

SPARTANBURG, SC (June 12, 2010) - Attached is the veto letter from Governor Mark Sanford on the 2010-2011 General Appropriations Bill (Budget).  He is trying to prioritize the way our state spends money - something that I vigorously campaigned on before I was elected.  In a day where law enforcement is not being fully funded and teachers are being laid off or furloughed, tough decisions are going to have to be made.  Next year's budget already is expected to have a $1 Billion shortfall and I would rather start making some tough decisions now to make the pain easier for next year.

I hope that everyone will read this message while thinking about how you would prioritize your own household budgets.  In the past I have made cuts to our household budget and will continue to do so.  However, the core functions will be providing food and shelter for my wife and children.  Movies, trips, out to eat, etc. can be placed on the back burner until times get better.

I knew when I was elected that I was going to take office in bad times.  Surpluses had been blown through and a recession was beginning.  "NO" was not a word that was used very often in Columbia, but I heard it a lot when I was growing up, and sometimes you just have to say it.  Now I have to make hard decisions in these bad times when priorities weren't established in good times.

There are people who are concerned about certain line items that have been vetoed.  Rest assured that I will be making decisions that are best for our state and our children to ensure that they have a future to look to.

Regards,

Shane

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