Reader urges lawmakers to spend surplus to shore up state’s pension program, schools

No to tax cut

Every politician likes to promise a tax cut, especially in an election cycle.

The state has a surplus that will fund a proposed tax cut.

The state pension fund is underfunded by $26 billion. One in 9 citizens qualify for these pensions.

Our schools rank 42 out of 50. Spend the surplus improving the schools.

A lot of folks moved here to get away from state taxes in places like New Jersey, New York, Maryland, etc. Our extremely low property taxes do not need to be cut. They are a small fraction of the taxes in the above states. If anything, we need a tax increase to get our schools in the upper 10%.

Bill Ofsanik, Murrells Inlet

What a team!

Wow, what a game played by those Lady Gamecocks!

Nothing but high praises and high fives for representing South Carolina so well.This team is an outstanding example of focus, determination, and, of course, superb coaching.

Can’t wait to see the team get invited to the Whitehouse! Go, Cocks

Herbert Garvin, Columbia

Keep DMH separate

The Senate has passed and the House is currently considering a bill ( S.2) to move the Department of Mental Health (DMH) into a new agency that would include major components of the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Our state is facing an unprecedented need for mental health services, not a need for a massive restructuring and disruption of an effective, focused agency.

I understand the desire to address issues with DHEC, but it certainly appears counterproductive to create an even larger, mega agency with parts of DHEC, DMH and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

In fact, this specific issue was recently addressed in an in-depth study released in 2021, the “Shape SC Task Force Report,” which concluded that the Department of Mental Health should “remain autonomous from DHEC.”

Mental health challenges abound in South Carolina. We need to leave DMH alone to perform its mission.

Eugene Green, Columbia

David and Goliath

In his continuing heinous war in Ukraine with the abhorrent destruction of cities, residential zones, hospitals, schools and the murder of civilians, especially very young children, Vladimir Putin appears to be an arrogant and intimidating Goliath.

Eventually David had to pick up a stone and act against Goliath.

Calvin Jordan, Beaufort