McConnell proposes steps to help SC finances

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell is proposing a five-point plan to keep the state “fiscally fit”

McConnell wants a bipartisan commission on spending to decide what government services are essential and what can be done by private business. He’d also like a constitutional amendment to cap the state budget in good years and use the extra money to pay down debts.

The proposal also includes what he calls a Taxpayer Fairness Act to prevent government bureaucrats from interpreting tax laws to gain more revenue.

Another part of the plan would prevent agencies from spending more money than lawmakers give them. McConnell also wants to protect trust funds from being raided by lawmakers to balance the budget.