tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30435188748734086312012-01-30T19:43:38.928-05:00Reflections by South Carolina Comptroller General Richard EckstromRichard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comBlogger1061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-748725002145446982009-12-12T17:09:00.009-05:002009-12-12T20:17:26.460-05:00

By Richard EckstromS.C. Comptroller While we all want the stimulus to be successful in reducing the jobless rate, it’s a sad fact that millions of jobs have been lost since the $787 billion stimulus passed in February. Both our state and national unemployment rates have skyrocketed.I have been open about my opposition to the stimulus: We’re spending money we don’t have, and we’re burdening future

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-57036002382295914172009-12-06T20:37:00.005-05:002009-12-06T20:45:16.239-05:00

By Richard EckstromS.C. ComptrollerEven in the best of times, it’s important to remember those less fortunate. Helping others is our highest calling in life.I don’t have to tell you that these are not the best of times. We’re facing the greatest recession of a generation, and our state and national unemployment rates continue to climb.During tough times, those of us who have enough to meet our

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-45514983057823775292009-10-19T12:28:00.003-04:002009-10-19T12:40:22.527-04:00

(Myrtle Beach Sun News editorial, Oct. 18)Local advocates of open government got a double helping of good news in recent weeks. First, state Comptroller Richard Eckstrom stopped in Myrtle Beach to congratulate that city and Surfside Beach for being among the first local governments in the state to begin regularly posting a record of all their spending online. Almost immediately afterward, the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-17403757309058865032009-10-04T14:11:00.004-04:002009-10-19T12:20:44.311-04:00

(From WPDE News, Florence-Myrtle Beach)South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom stopped in Myrtle Beach Thursday, to compliment the mayors of Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach on their efforts in governmental transparency. Both Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach post their weekly check registers on their respective Web sites for taxpayers to see. Myrtle Beach made the move in July of this

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-23400834982341285522009-09-25T14:26:00.005-04:002009-09-25T14:30:28.350-04:00

By Richard EckstromState ComptrollerI recently read an Associated Press report about a sleepy border checkpoint between Montana and Canada which will receive $15 million in “stimulus” funds. The checkpoint will receive the money despite the fact that only about three travelers a day cross the border there.The project actually ranks low on a priority list compiled by the Office of Homeland

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-11580074466465497682009-09-17T19:25:00.004-04:002009-09-17T19:32:04.215-04:00

(From the Myrtle Beach Sun News, Sept. 17)State Comptroller Richard Eckstrom announced today that all expenditures of stimulus funds by state agencies are available at http://www.cg.sc.gov/. More than a half-billion stimulus dollars of an estimated $3 billion have come through state government so far. “The debt from this spending extends far into the future of our children and grandchildren, so

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-56213441134660828252009-09-09T08:50:00.003-04:002009-09-09T08:55:59.796-04:00

(Hilton Head Island Packet, Monday, Sept. 7)By MARTI COVINGTON mcovington@beaufortgazette.comThe city of Beaufort already has made records of its financial transactions available online, and Beaufort County says it will follow suit.Officials with other local municipalities, however, don't have firm plans to get their own records up on the Web. S.C. Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom encouraged

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-44480505178508732412009-09-06T15:09:00.005-04:002009-09-06T15:22:21.803-04:00

(Myrtle Beach Sun News, Sept. 2)By Aliana Ramos - aramos@thesunnews.com Between Aug. 11 and Aug. 31, the town of Surfside Beach wrote 159 checks and spent $597,225.16.If you're curious about what the town spent the money on, you can now examine its check register online. The register will be updated monthly, said Kim Hursey, the town's treasurer. Surfside Beach is the 12th municipality in the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-22467212582073757802009-08-15T17:20:00.002-04:002009-08-15T17:28:48.179-04:00

(From the Georgetown Times, Aug. 13)By Scott Harpersharper@gtowntimes.com How much did the City of Georgetown spend at Wal Mart last month? How about at Food Lion or on postage stamps? Those are questions anyone with access to a computer will be able to find out if City Councilman Paige Sawyer has his way. Sawyer is asking the city to consider a program already in place in Charleston and soon to

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-58784032664828995022009-08-15T17:12:00.003-04:002009-08-15T17:20:32.276-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralAt the recent meeting of the S.C. Stimulus Oversight Task Force, I was pleased to introduce state Treasurer Converse Chellis as a co-chairman. Treasurer Chellis was chosen by the state legislature this summer to join me in heading up the task force, which is charged with accounting for federal “stimulus” dollars to ensure they are not misused.I had previously

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-84709899767757997862009-07-20T15:11:00.004-04:002009-07-20T15:23:12.033-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralI was among those who felt strongly that President Obama’s “stimulus” bill wasn’t the way to get our economy back on track. Hundreds of billions of dollars of new spending on government programs seems to be stimulating government growth, but much of it has nothing to do with stimulating the economy.Let’s not forget, there is no money for any of this. This “

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-39869734113088091972009-07-09T09:22:00.004-04:002009-07-20T15:32:49.399-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller General Across the state, there’s a growing movement that will result in greater government efficiency and accountability.Several local governments have begun putting their monthly check registers on the Internet. By doing so, they are empowering taxpayers with click-of-a-mouse access to details about how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent… and helping create a

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-79649892140712684422009-07-02T07:13:00.004-04:002009-07-02T07:20:38.729-04:00

(From Greenville News. Photo: Ron Dekett)Greenville city and county so far have not heeded state Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom's call for local governments to post their spending details online. Mayor Knox White said the city of Greenville isn't sure if its computer system can put check registers online, as Eckstrom advocates, in addition to annual budgets and financial audits. County

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-2335251054037970262009-06-26T18:52:00.003-04:002009-07-20T15:34:43.407-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralSince being appointed as the state’s “stimulus watchdog” earlier this year, I’ve often been asked how much of the federal stimulus money we’ve received so far. I thought I’d take this opportunity to answer that question and to explain how it’s being used.At the time of this writing, the State of South Carolina has received just over $332 million in federal

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-91861483762895448612009-06-18T12:38:00.004-04:002009-07-20T15:35:17.171-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller General Sunday, June 14 was one of our nation’s often overlooked holidays.For many, it passed quietly. There were very few ceremonies, and lots of people didn’t even know it was a holiday.But to the patriotic among us, it was Flag Day, a day set aside to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States.For more than 200 years, the flag has been a stirring

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-63950834561468587042009-06-11T10:53:00.004-04:002009-07-20T15:43:30.030-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralA couple weeks ago I accepted an invitation to appear on the cable news channel C-SPAN, which was doing a special feature on the federal “stimulus” package approved by Congress. Our state has established itself as a national leader on spending transparency, the producers told me, and they felt viewers would be interested in what we are doing to track federal

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-77225777505816486172009-06-11T10:48:00.003-04:002009-07-20T15:44:00.483-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralReturning to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport from Washington D.C., the terminal was packed with adoring greeters -- some active military, many veterans. There were lots of families, at least one of which with four generations on hand. There were law enforcement personnel and troops of Boy Scouts. There were balloons, signs, banners, flags, and salutes. Some

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-56918645942655711762009-05-29T13:57:00.002-04:002009-07-20T15:44:17.899-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralTwo important holidays recently passed. One probably passed relatively quietly, while the other was marked by barbecues, parades, speeches, flag-waving and remembrance.May 16 was the 60th celebration of Armed Forces Day. The holiday was created in 1959 as a salute to the men and women who serve in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. (Each

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-41578654498526971532009-05-21T19:11:00.002-04:002009-05-24T11:39:29.981-04:00

It seems you can’t open a newspaper or turn on the television these days without being bombarded with “bad news” -- news of skyrocketing unemployment, a deep recession, political strife, and partisan posturing and finger-pointing in Washington. It’s an unfortunate fact that positive developments are too often overlooked.Yet there is plenty of “good news” happening all around you: Churches are

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-65389170590018028102009-05-14T15:28:00.002-04:002009-05-14T15:56:22.977-04:00

Those who served our country during World War II and other wars deserve our profound appreciation. It is because of our war veterans that we remain strong as a nation, and we enjoy many of the freedoms we all-too-often take for granted,The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC is a sacred place of remembrance, solace and reflection for those who served in uniform during this war. While no

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-44397181613396316942009-05-07T16:08:00.003-04:002009-05-07T16:14:57.778-04:00

I traveled to Washington D.C. last week to discuss South Carolina’s vigorous efforts to track the federal “stimulus” funds coming into our state and to ensure those funds are used wisely.In March, Governor Sanford asked me to lead the South Carolina Stimulus Oversight Task Force. Although I’m a hard-liner like he is when it comes to government spending, I felt it might be good to also include

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-67002329724853255482009-05-02T19:46:00.001-04:002009-05-02T19:54:10.547-04:00

My office learned last week that the state of South Carolina has again been recognized for outstanding reporting of its finances.Each year, my office puts together the state’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or CAFR. It’s a detailed presentation of the state’s financial condition and economic outlook which is used by legislators, state agencies, bond rating services and taxpayers.(Because

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-75881648990404248392009-04-23T11:58:00.002-04:002009-04-23T12:01:27.819-04:00

By Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralSomething special happened on Wednesday, April 15: Tens of thousands of South Carolinians from all walks of life assembled for “tea parties” at dozens of locations across the state. Their rallies, of course, came on a day many people have come to dread -- Tax Day.From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, ordinary citizens gathered at modern versions of the Boston

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-12571571801235471162009-04-17T12:40:00.001-04:002009-04-17T12:47:03.276-04:00

By Richard EckstromEven in the best of times, it’s important for those who have enough to meet our own needs to share our blessings with those who do not. Helping others is our highest calling in life.I don’t have to tell you that these are not the best of times. We’re facing the greatest recession of a generation, and more and more South Carolinians are losing their jobs every week. We recently

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-34625304383705653792009-04-11T19:59:00.003-04:002009-04-11T20:04:23.702-04:00

By Richard Eckstrom I probably don’t have to tell you that South Carolina faces huge challenges -- chief among them the economic recession, rising unemployment and deep government budget cuts brought about by reduced revenue collections.It’s been noted many times that if there’s a silver lining to this crisis, perhaps it’s in rediscovering the common-sense notion of living within our means…the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-49736693677656121442009-04-06T08:12:00.001-04:002009-04-06T08:14:37.709-04:00

By Richard EckstromS.C. Comptroller GeneralWhat do the town of Irmo and the county of Anderson have in common?Both want taxpayers to see how their hard-earned dollars are being spent.Anderson County and Irmo have recently begun posting their spending details on the Internet, empowering their constituents with click-of-a-mouse access to information about how public money is being used. In doing so

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-66662799722726767072009-03-25T23:15:00.002-04:002009-03-25T23:20:42.810-04:00

You could be forgiven for being uneasy about the “stimulus” bill approved by Congress last month. It’s heavy on new spending, and it’s light on tax cuts that have been proven to stimulate the economy. It’s laden with “pork” projects that have nothing to do with economic activity, and it represents an unprecedented, massive shift of resources from the private sector to the government sector.And

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-46758837980624467782009-03-19T11:10:00.002-04:002009-03-19T11:16:27.408-04:00

The Governor works for you. So does your local county administrator, your mayor, your legislator and the superintendent of your school district.This means you have a right to know how each of them spend your tax dollars and how they arrive at decisions that affect you.This week, March 15-21, is National Sunshine Week. Its purpose is to celebrate -- and raise awareness of -- laws that grant

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-17253858504557462042009-03-13T04:23:00.002-04:002009-03-13T04:33:59.704-04:00

Just days before the new president took office, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was above the 9,000 point mark.As I sit here on a Saturday night penning this community newspaper column, I realize that during the last two months the Dow has dropped steadily to about 6,600 -- its lowest level in more than a decade. Nervous experts and investors are now questioning when the decline will hit

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-24823660191478620312009-03-08T11:06:00.005-04:002009-03-13T07:58:28.933-04:00

(Editorial re-published from the Feb. 25 edition of the Charleston Post & Courier.)Washington is embarking on a record spending spree aimed at stimulating the economy and saving the banking industry. Considering the immense stakes, taxpayers must know how that money will be used. President Barack Obama, during Tuesday night's speech to Congress, again acknowledged the federal government's

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-1756754952747929112009-02-26T11:48:00.008-05:002009-03-13T07:59:30.082-04:00

When those in positions of public trust operate in full view of the people they represent, we’re all better off. Transparency is the key to sound governance.We’re entering a new era of transparency in South Carolina. The S.C. House of Representatives recently adopted a new policy that will require legislators to take more votes on the record, so the folks back home can know where their elected

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-90656229968888344502009-02-21T08:21:00.002-05:002009-02-21T08:29:56.503-05:00

Transparency & accountability in 'stimulus' spendingBy Richard EckstromComptroller GeneralIn pushing his massive spending bill, the new president more than once reminded Congressional Republicans that it was he who won in November. And indeed, Barack Obama won decisively in the presidential election.But the president should remember that the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives were

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-77915744781666198092009-02-12T12:43:00.002-05:002009-03-13T08:00:23.381-04:00

Government is necessary. Big government is not. Like our Founding Fathers, many of us believe that the proper role of government is to do only those things that people cannot do for themselves.Today many have come to consider government as a foe, rather than a friend. America’s government rose out of a glorious vision of freedom, opportunity and individual liberty. But it has increasingly become

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-52009455362786358502009-02-05T08:24:00.013-05:002009-02-05T08:44:41.992-05:00

Someone once asked Winston Churchill why he was such an optimist. “Because,” he replied, “it doesn’t do much good to be anything else.”Like Churchill, I’m optimistic about our future here in South Carolina. In particular, I’m optimistic about the chances for real, meaningful government reform – changing the way we do things in Columbia to make our system of government more accountable, more

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-31096258595084833922009-01-29T17:33:00.006-05:002009-01-29T17:46:28.139-05:00

Increasing government transparency at the local levelBy Richard EckstromA few months ago my office unveiled the state’s first spending transparency Web site for state government. Visitors to the Web site can find detailed spending information for more than 80 state agencies. Think of this as a sort of online check register. Visitors can see, for example, that in December the Election Commission

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-70378204590492915902009-01-22T09:58:00.005-05:002009-01-22T10:08:03.599-05:00

Regardless of your political philosophy, his message of looking forward is one we all need to hear.By Richard EckstromGovernor Sanford set a positive tone for the coming year with his annual State of the State address.In his Jan. 14 speech, the Governor sounded some familiar themes, emphasizing the need to reform government, rein in spending and impose greater accountability. He spoke of the need

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-89782790361902820492009-01-15T10:10:00.005-05:002009-01-15T10:19:19.889-05:00

By Richard EckstromNo history or economic textbook contains the solution to our current economic troubles. This crisis is complicated, unlike any we’ve ever seen, and perhaps the most far-reaching since the Great Depression.Amid anxiety about the direction of our country and the quality of our daily lives, state and national leaders are struggling to get our economy back on track. Yet even as

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-68382518905614833842009-01-08T21:54:00.003-05:002009-01-08T22:21:23.600-05:00

You work hard for your money, and you deserve to keep as much of it as possible.Too often, however, those with the authority to set budgets and levy taxes forget whose money it is they are spending. Rather than directing existing resources where they are most needed -- infrastructure, public safety, education, etc. -- elected officials spend on things that don’t meet the “necessity test.” They

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-67125315011420082362009-01-02T12:50:00.003-05:002009-01-02T12:58:06.533-05:00

We all know that the New Year is a time for new beginnings -- an opportunity for fresh starts. Typically we vow to exercise more, eat less, spend fewer hours at the office, acquire new skills or set some other lofty goal.For those of us in positions of state leadership, perhaps the New Year is also a good time to evaluate the way we do things in Columbia.The New Year brings huge challenges --

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-52374939817287477762008-12-27T13:41:00.003-05:002008-12-27T13:58:32.605-05:00

There’s a battle of sorts going on in Columbia between those trying to rein in spending, impose greater accountability, and pull back the curtains of government so that decisions are made in full public view… and those who don’t think these changes are needed.Those who know me generally put me in the former category -- a fiscal conservative committed to the cause of better government, increased

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-73768623698854743862008-12-18T09:31:00.005-05:002008-12-18T11:46:56.607-05:00

It’s hard to find a bright spot in the current national recession. But if there is a silver lining, perhaps it will be in a new approach to the way state government spends.On Dec. 11, the state Budget & Control Board voted to reduce spending for the current fiscal year. The mandatory cuts came after the state’s economists calculated that the amount the state would collect in revenue would fall

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-15682819082144704022008-12-15T10:31:00.012-05:002008-12-15T10:48:54.867-05:00

Those who know me know how increased government transparency is something I feel strongly about. That's why I have been working hard as Comptroller General to do my part to shine a light on state spending... so the taxpayers have access to as much information as possible about how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent.Fortunately, the government transparency movement appears to be picking up

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-15550931833194690522008-12-12T09:07:00.003-05:002008-12-12T13:44:51.205-05:00

A budget cut now is better than a budget cut next February... and February is the soonest legislative leaders say they would be able to deal with our current budget crisis. That's why I insisted that the Budget and Control Board needed to step forward to cut state spending.Cutting today allows greater flexibility for each agency, while later cuts would require much more drastic action to keep

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-43925475175362959112008-12-09T09:49:00.003-05:002008-12-09T14:06:47.440-05:00

Year-to-date, corporate income tax revenues are down more than 57 percent from last year.Net Corporate Income Tax collections for July - November of this year are $30.6 million compared to $71.4 million for the same period last year -- a difference of $40.8 million. Also down on a year-to-date basis are individual income tax collections (down nearly 3 percent) and sales tax collections (down

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-26555050272319056062008-12-08T14:19:00.000-05:002008-12-08T14:20:43.883-05:00

The state Budget and Control Board will meet Thursday, Dec. 11 to decide on a course of action for dealing with falling tax revenues.That meeting will following Wednesday's meeting of the Board of Economic Advisors.

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-29731614215406822932008-11-29T13:15:00.003-05:002008-11-29T13:41:42.217-05:00

Increased transparency needed to restore faith in government Providing increased government transparency -- giving people more and better information on how government spends our money and how elected officials make decisions that affect all of us -- is a cause dear to my heart.Too many decisions are made behind closed doors, diluting accountability of our elected officials and eroding public

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-77108735182882114432008-11-23T13:19:00.003-05:002008-11-23T13:27:38.868-05:00

We usually see a strong upswing in charitable giving during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. It’s not that those needing assistance are fewer during other parts of the year; instead it’s that the spirit of this season often moves people to give a little more.But the current economic downturn has resulted in less giving than normal from people and businesses bracing for tough times. There

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-5173412799128942682008-11-14T19:25:00.006-05:002008-11-15T07:35:27.590-05:00

Another election has come and gone, and those fortunate enough to have been chosen by their neighbors for public service now must devote their election-year energy into governing during difficult times.Even in the best of times, the challenges facing South Carolina are unique. For too long we've languished at the bottom in education, healthcare, and personal income. These days, we also face an

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-61963172745442059732008-11-08T06:04:00.005-05:002008-11-08T11:30:11.857-05:00

When you're spending other people's hard-earned money, it's just common courtesy to let them know how it's spent.That's not a principle always embraced by government. Too often, tax dollars are spent under a shroud of secrecy, and decisions which affect your family are made out of public view.Fortunately, this is a watershed time for South Carolina government. There's a growing movement afoot to

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-9941397431620818872008-10-31T17:20:00.009-04:002008-10-31T17:34:58.350-04:00

In recent weeks there have been shocking stories about highly organized efforts to fraudulently register voters. Thousands of duplicate registrations have been reported along with the registrations of dead people, ineligible people, and even nonexistent people. Fraudulent votes have already been cast on behalf of the mentally impaired and the dead. In some states, political leaders have led

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-49440899483719227062008-10-24T17:34:00.002-04:002008-10-24T18:12:01.815-04:00

Mark Twain’s observation that "Figures don't lie, but liars figure" is an important thought to keep in mind when looking at government statistics, opinion polls, and so many of the surveys and studies that are presented daily to the American public. Indeed, many in government and in business and advocacy groups have learned that the way information is calculated, the phrasing of a question in a

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-15943306014724848092008-10-10T17:21:00.012-04:002008-10-10T17:44:27.994-04:00

President Reagan and the Triumph of the Conservative Movement In 1947, the liberal historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. proclaimed: "There seems no inherent obstacle to the gradual advance of socialism in the United States through a series of New Deals." There is no doubt that champions of big, activist government dominated the first half of the twentieth century. But historians like Schlesinger are

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-70294938689704387342008-10-03T17:19:00.003-04:002008-10-03T17:23:44.426-04:00

In recent weeks I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be a conservative. Given the extraordinary economic events of the last couple of weeks, I want to comment on our current economic crisis before concluding my series on conservatism.The current economic crisis is complex and many people and institutions both in Washington and on Wall Street have a role and bear some level of responsibility

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-80482298570049693422008-09-22T17:31:00.006-04:002008-09-22T18:03:24.725-04:00

The Emergence of "Progressivism"The “Progressive Era” in American history conjures up for many people memories of Teddy Roosevelt’s trust-busting efforts, the enactment of child-labor laws, and reforms to ensure food and workplace safety. Yet along with reforms like those, which most Americans supported, was a vastly expanded role for government and a loss of individual liberties. In his

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-10507557006869809222008-09-12T15:54:00.011-04:002008-09-15T13:01:29.952-04:00

Conservatives Treasure the Tried and True In reflecting on conservatism, also referred to as classical liberalism, some historians have commented that the American Revolution is one of history’s only revolutions to actually succeed, while revolutions in France and later in Russia were catastrophic, resulting in murder and tyranny. Edmund Burke, who had championed revolutionary America’s cause in

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-50581119162033779472008-08-15T15:42:00.009-04:002008-08-15T16:33:05.027-04:00

Freedom’s Deep Roots in the Hearts and Minds of ManIrishman Edmund Burke, an 18th century contemporary of America’s founding fathers and an eloquent champion of their cause and ideals, is generally regarded as the philosophical founder of modern conservative thought. However, the roots for what we regard as American conservatism far predates the 18th century. In fact, one American writer on this

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-41666784494778266552008-07-29T16:06:00.008-04:002008-12-10T12:50:05.105-05:00

For a half century before the election of President Ronald Reagan, it was politically acceptable throughout much of America to describe oneself as a “liberal” or a “progressive.” Since the election of President Reagan in 1980, it is increasingly difficult to find a self-admitted “liberal,” but politicians of all stripes and philosophies are happy to call themselves conservatives.Within the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-46920245394520487992008-07-18T14:50:00.002-04:002008-12-10T12:50:05.331-05:00

The solution for South Carolina’s low SAT test scores and its high dropout rates has been much debated. Now a well-meaning group of citizens are suggesting that our state constitution might be holding us back. That constitution mandates a “minimally adequate” education for all students.There are those who believe that if we change our constitutional mandate for education, our education problems

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-17279912262792744742008-07-09T10:58:00.006-04:002008-12-10T12:50:05.553-05:00

Winston Churchill once remarked: “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Senator Jesse Helms, who passed away on July 4th, built a career on standing for principle against sometimes fierce personal opposition.The personality trait uniting most politicians is a consuming desire to be liked. Over time, this trait leads many people to take the path

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-69026023390239095632008-07-03T14:10:00.007-04:002008-12-10T12:50:05.879-05:00

The Fourth of July is the great summer holiday when families come together to enjoy cook-outs, patriotic music, fireworks, and all that has traditionally accompanied our nation’s birthday celebration.Communities throughout South Carolina will sponsor an array of parades, festivals, and concerts, many culminating with extraordinary firework displays. These great events will be part of the best

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-5853228385042527512008-06-27T16:24:00.008-04:002008-12-10T12:50:06.070-05:00

This week the Supreme Court rendered two extremely important decisions in support of the Constitution, freedom, and the individual liberties of every American.Virtually all of the media attention has been focused on the Court’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, which upholds the individual right of Americans to own guns in the District of Columbia. Since Washington, D.C. is federal

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-42785389729834159732008-06-20T15:30:00.007-04:002008-12-10T12:50:06.678-05:00

Americans in every part of our nation are acutely aware that something is causing steep increases in the price of gasoline. At approximately $4 per gallon and continuing its upward climb, some estimate that the price of gasoline could double in the foreseeable future. Such prices not only will create havoc with family budgets, they will stagger our nation’s economy.We have been given many reasons

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-41699360437668210912008-06-12T15:02:00.004-04:002008-12-10T12:50:06.861-05:00

As the seemingly endless presidential campaign has narrowed to the two major party’s presumptive nominees, some conservative Republicans are nostalgically longing for the Reagan years, and regret that a conservative leader of President Reagan’s stature seems not to have emerged.President Reagan was an extraordinary leader, and many eloquent voices call him the greatest American of the 20th

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-60168291425992409562008-06-06T14:40:00.006-04:002008-12-10T12:50:07.131-05:00

Today we commemorate D-Day, the historic allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. This morning my brother forwarded me a letter he received from Captain Mark O'Brien, a close friend of his and a U. S. Navy judge advocate presently serving in Iraq. His letter is so poignant and thoughtful that I decided to publish it in this forum. Captain O’Brien wrote:"I was thinking of the subject this

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-70894476589244465102008-05-23T11:53:00.007-04:002008-12-10T12:50:07.283-05:00

In recent weeks workers have been making repairs to our magnificent State House and re-grouting the massive blocks of native granite that form its steps and walls. Our first State House in Columbia, a mere shadow of today’s structure, was originally completed in 1794. The building has been repaired, restored, and enlarged many times, but from its earliest days it has been a monument to our rich

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-32481590181457379552008-05-07T11:22:00.006-04:002008-12-10T12:50:08.828-05:00

Last year Americans responded in justifiable anger against the amnesty proposals for illegal immigrants that some of our federal legislators were trying to force on America’s citizens. Yet the people said “no” for many good reasons – our concern for American sovereignty and our belief that the laws of our nation must be upheld, the unfairness of granting citizenship to scofflaws when so many law

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-27392524074078504522008-05-02T11:05:00.010-04:002008-12-10T12:50:08.998-05:00

Because of “Tax Day,” April is a month when many people take stock of their finances. Unfortunately, it is also a grim reminder for many citizens that their personal finances are in trouble. Our personal habits for saving, borrowing and spending not only have a big impact on the well-being of our families, they affect the health of our state and national economies, and even our national security.

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-46117798846676625312008-04-10T16:03:00.006-04:002008-12-10T12:50:09.169-05:00

After accounting for all government revenues and expenditures, perhaps the greatest responsibility that I have as South Carolina’s Comptroller General is to ensure that our citizens, their government representatives, the media, and the financial markets have clear and easily understood information about our state’s financial activities and performance.State government will spend more than $20

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-84428478486297966612008-04-09T11:43:00.010-04:002008-12-10T12:50:09.520-05:00

(The following was published in the Commentary section of The Post and Courier on April 3, 2008)By Richard EckstromState government spending has grown tremendously over the last several years, and the public realizes that personal income levels have not grown anywhere near as fast as government spending. For example, spending by state government jumped twelve percent last year, yet the average

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-20799670114833982232008-03-27T14:04:00.004-04:002008-12-10T12:50:09.616-05:00

This blog has often pointed out that well-funded, special interests in our state often have their way with policy, budgets, taxes, and spending, while the best interests of “we the people” can sometimes be overlooked. Sound fiscal management, balanced budgets, and even ensuring that jobs in South Carolina are only filled by those legally entitled to work here, shouldn’t be controversial or

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-47354973835003973232008-03-07T09:34:00.005-05:002008-12-10T12:50:10.051-05:00

It is becoming clear to many Americans that the cost of our federal government’s reluctance to enforce immigration laws, to secure our borders, and to ensure our national security and the safety of American citizens, affects every facet of American life. The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that the net public cost for providing illegal immigrants with services like Medicaid, food

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-65429733260789335682008-02-22T10:22:00.010-05:002008-12-10T12:50:10.389-05:00

We know it is an election year when the U.S. Congress votes to send us all a check. Several weeks ago the Congress approved and President Bush signed legislation granting $150 billion in tax rebates with the stated intention of stimulating the U. S. economy. According to the Internal Revenue Service, “starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-57144216591349189032008-02-14T15:10:00.006-05:002008-12-10T12:50:10.782-05:00

It often seems that one of the reasons South Carolina ranks last among the states in student achievement, as measured by SAT scores and the state graduation rate, is because our education officials are so preoccupied with matters that relate only marginally to the academic success of students in the classroom.Under an accountability plan that our state education leaders negotiated with the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-44187390744844470002008-01-25T16:16:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:10.940-05:00

The South Carolina General Assembly has convened this month amid reports that our legislators will be addressing the way education is funded in our state. After forty years of “fixing” South Carolina’s schools, let’s hope they will seize the opportunity to think comprehensively and to truly change the culture in our school districts where half of all students entering high school drop out, and so

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-38961057730314965512007-12-31T15:56:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:11.104-05:00

The end of one year and the dawn of the next is a time to inventory what we have accomplished and what remains to be done. It is a time of resolutions and a time for fresh new beginnings. It gives us a new slate and an opportunity for a fresh start.At this time next year our forty-fourth President will be preparing to appoint a new cabinet, writing an inaugural address, and overseeing the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-7370063623441058452007-12-21T15:54:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:11.306-05:00

There was a recent news story that British primary schools have been voluntarily giving up what had been a staple of their Christmas season for generations, the school nativity play. It was reported that only one in five schools are planning to perform the traditional nativity play this year. To American readers, the idea of schools making any mention of Christmas, faith, or allowing prayer and

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-35510714671718869102007-12-14T15:09:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:12.357-05:00

The presidential election that has been underway for over a year, and will continue for nearly another year, has raised many important issues and generated needed discussion about problems confronting our country. However, it has also made clear to many Americans that our system of choosing party nominees and electing Presidents is itself a problem that needs fixing.Our presidential elections

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-31000738704045271912007-12-07T15:08:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:12.711-05:00

Many of our political leaders who supported amnesty for illegal aliens and a “path to citizenship” for law breakers were shocked by the enormous, collective, “no” they received from the American people this year. Concerned that they have been on the wrong side of what most Americans regard as the nation’s greatest threat, many have attempted to make amends by suddenly talking tough about securing

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-43347087204706758142007-11-29T14:27:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:12.930-05:00

Christmas is a time of year when we joyously celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ and God’s giving of His son for us, and many people respond by giving gifts to loved ones, friends, and even to total strangers in need. It is always good that we extend acts of love and charity to others, and to do so seems especially appropriate this time of year.Unfortunately, some merchants view the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-43999008853844831792007-11-16T16:28:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:13.371-05:00

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it can be valuable to consider the roots of this uniquely American holiday because too often its history and meaning is ignored or distorted in our secular age. Some schools are even using textbooks that suggest that the first Thanksgiving feast was about nothing more than expressing thanks to Squanto and some of the Indians, instead of thanking God.The

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-33046230624023349672007-11-09T16:50:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:13.758-05:00

We’ve all heard politicians and candidates talking about the “ordinary” people they’ve recently run into, and telling teary-eyed stories to show that they feel our pain and really care about us little guys.This week I heard a radio segment focusing on a personal story recently used by a presidential candidate in her campaign rhetoric while traveling around Iowa. The reporter following her

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-85230811922420463572007-11-05T16:17:00.000-05:002008-12-10T12:50:14.029-05:00

Even before many of our rights were codified in the U.S. Constitution, the right of an inventor to own all rights to the creations of his own genius was constitutionally protected. The patent system crafted by our founding fathers has been so successful that it has enabled America to produce more inventions than all the rest of the world’s nations combined.Unlike many countries, America’s patent

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-59615664019059640832007-10-26T17:45:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:14.241-05:00

Many Americans were disappointed to learn that existing home sales in the United States fell 8 percent in September, and that sales have plummeted a hefty 19 percent during the past year. At the same time, national median selling prices are down 4 percent from a year ago.These are worrying statistics, particularly because after a half century of increasing housing prices, many had come to believe

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-84748311998552617562007-10-19T13:57:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:14.467-05:00

In recent years there’s been much discussion about what schools should and should not be teaching. But there is a growing consensus that most schools have overlooked one very important aspect of preparing students for life’s responsibilities. For most of our lives, we are all involved to some degree in financial management – whether that entails budgeting and spending responsibly, buying a house

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-23131174194622585962007-10-12T17:46:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:14.707-05:00

One has to wonder what drives the Administration and some members of Congress to promote policies that weaken US sovereignty, threaten American industries, export jobs, leave our borders undefended, and subject American businesses, our military personnel, and our citizens to the laws and regulations established by transnational bureaucracies like the United Nations, instead of by our elected

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-49798519765306658932007-10-12T17:42:00.001-04:002007-10-12T17:42:48.981-04:00

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-62306133321169184812007-10-05T14:56:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:15.044-05:00

The Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress recently published a report entitled American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics (Updated June 29, 2007). As we approach Veterans’ Day this year, it is a document worth reflecting on, because it provides in great detail the U.S. casualty statistics for every war in which the United States has participated,

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-13088437218466613292007-09-21T16:53:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:15.550-05:00

Upon leaving office, President Eisenhower was asked to name his greatest accomplishment; he cited the Interstate Highway System. This vast network of safe and well maintained roads has spawned a $623 billion trucking industry that, among the many goods and services it transports, has enabled Americans to enjoy a greater variety of fresh foods at lower prices than are enjoyed by virtually any

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-37992956602467945342007-09-11T12:59:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:16.339-05:00

Today we mark the sixth anniversary of one of the most somber and shocking days in American history. On this day we remember over 3000 of our countrymen who left behind wives and children, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters; we remember the brave firefighters, police, and emergency service personnel who gave their lives trying to rescue others. We must never forget their noble sacrifices

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-85324258171164305912007-09-07T17:48:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:16.588-05:00

Americans rightly believe the “self-evident truth” proclaimed in our founding document, “that all men are created equal” and “that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.” In proclaiming these truths, our founding fathers were affirming the right of every person to be equal before the law and to freely pursue life, liberty and happiness without needing any special

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-1150318954411820152007-08-30T16:37:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:16.868-05:00

In recent days there has been a lot of national attention focused on South Carolina’s representative to the Miss Teen USA pageant. Her initial spontaneous response to a question - about a survey showing that many American young people can’t locate the United States on a world map - has been the subject of newspaper stories, editorials, and television programs.Unfortunately, most of the

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-50087811813777764542007-08-17T17:29:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:17.168-05:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that “men are respectable only as they respect.” If that is to be the measure, The State newspaper has invited very little respect for an invasive story it ran last weekend about the tragic fire in Charleston resulting in the loss of nine firefighters.By its own admission, the newspaper obtained the release of several hundred radio transmissions that were exchanged

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-91604493175927799262007-08-10T10:26:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:17.400-05:00

New Treasurer Can Help This State Act Boldly Published Friday, August 10, 2007By Richard EckstromLast week, the state Legislature appointed Rep. Converse Chellis of Summerville to complete the term of our former state treasurer who recently resigned. At one time I was state treasurer, so I'm very familiar with the duties of that office. Treasurer Chellis will assume an extremely competent,

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-69455485273597175302007-08-02T16:21:00.001-04:002008-12-10T12:50:17.688-05:00

State of South CarolinaOffice of Comptroller General1200 Senate Street305 Wade Hampton Office BuildingColumbia, South Carolina 29201August 1, 2007Dear Mr. Treasurer:I’m looking forward to your appointment. At one time I served in the office you’ll soon occupy, so I know precisely what you’ll be facing when you become the next State Treasurer.You’ll assume a very competent, professional staff to

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-58923190010952968432007-07-26T14:09:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:18.281-05:00

We have witnessed an extraordinary rousing of the American people this summer over the issue of amnesty for those who illegally overrun our nation and compete for American jobs, while demanding that the taxpayers provide them and their families an array of health, education and welfare accommodations. In an avalanche of phone calls, letters, e-mails, and faxes, the people reminded their political

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-90005030489330038532007-07-18T12:32:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:18.371-05:00

America is facing a rapid erosion of its national identity. Followers of the left-leaning political correctness movement are daily chipping away at the time-honored traditions and customs that are foundational to our country and to our way of life. Their push for a multi-lingual society threatens our cherished English language and our American culture.The English language is a defining

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-75009781123517172672007-07-17T13:24:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:18.558-05:00

The protection of our children is a powerful instinct in the hearts of parents. Beginning with the ride home from the hospital with them in our arms and lasting throughout our lives, we do everything within our power to protect our precious children from dangers at every stage of life. Sadly, the dangers children face today are much more sophisticated than those that existed when we were children

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-18742379110773929862007-07-17T12:10:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:18.790-05:00

One of the most important roles of state government is to provide adequate safety and security for the citizens. Law enforcement at all levels must have the tools they need get the job done. Budget shortfalls in recent years have severely impacted our abilities to fund such needs. With an improving state economy it is important that we now focus on providing additional dollars to better equip and

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-16123464508479442922007-07-17T11:51:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:19.025-05:00

The South Carolina House Agriculture Committee recently rejected a plan to keep the Barnwell low-level nuclear waste site open to all 50 states and will instead permit dumping only from South Carolina, Connecticut and New Jersey after 2008. The vast majority of material collected at this site is solid, low-level radioactive material such as laboratory and hospital gowns, gloves, goggles, and

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043518874873408631.post-55427303086870456162007-07-17T11:39:00.000-04:002008-12-10T12:50:19.272-05:00

Little more than a decade ago Republicans gained majority status in the U.S. Congress. About the same time, the political landscape in South Carolina was also changing and in 1994, led by reform minded conservatives, Republicans took over leadership and control of the South Carolina House of Representatives and a bit later the South Carolina Senate.Following the example of the popular “Contract

Richard Eckstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11672654399668604738noreply@blogger.com