January 14, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Sanford says South Carolina
lawmakers must use the economic challenges facing the state to cap
spending, cut taxes and increase the choices parents have in
deciding where to send children to school.

Many of the plans the governor is presenting in his annual State
of the State address Wednesday night are familiar. But Sanford says
the recession battering the nation and the state offer lawmakers an
opportunity to adhere to proposals for which he's long fought.

He wants cigarette taxes to go up by 30 cents and would also
increase fees for out-of-state garbage dumpers as a way to pay for
a new, optional flat income tax. He also would get rid of business
incentives for specific companies to phase out taxes for all
corporations.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.