South Carolina taxpayers could save millions of dollars under a new bill aimed at cutting down excessive government spending, but Democratic State Senator Ed Sutton says any waste found is solely the fault of the Republican Party.
The so-called “DOGE Bill”, introduced in Columbia, seeks to identify and eliminate what lawmakers describe as “over-burdensome schemes” that inflate government costs. While supporters claim it could potentially save taxpayers millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars, Sen. Sutton (D-Charleston) pointed fingers at the Republican leadership for any inefficiencies discovered.
“The Republicans have had the House, Senate, and Governor’s Mansion for twenty-plus years,” Sutton stated in a social media post shared by the South Carolina Senate Democrats. “If there’s any waste in the state, it is because they put it in there.”
Republicans’ Decades-Long Grip on South Carolina Politics
For over 23 years, the Republican Party has maintained full control over South Carolina’s legislative and executive branches, holding a trifecta in state government. This means they have commanded the Governor’s Mansion, the House, and the Senate continuously while also dominating key positions such as the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office.
With a supermajority in both legislative chambers, GOP lawmakers have had significant power in shaping state policies and budgets without substantial opposition. Sen. Sutton argues that any financial waste exposed by the new bill is a direct result of long-standing Republican governance.
What Is the DOGE Bill?
Sen. Stephen Goldfinch (R-Horry County) introduced the DOGE Bill, which stands for “Defunding Over-Growth and Excess.“ The bill aims to streamline state government operations.
“The aim of the bill I introduced last week is to try to eliminate some of that excess growth,” Goldfinch explained. “Some of that excess government, some of that excess regulation, and to make government work better for the people.”
If passed, the bill would establish a commission dedicated to investigating inefficient government programs and regulations, with the potential to uncover millions or even hundreds of millions in wasteful spending.
Democrats Push Back
While Republicans frame the bill as a tool to improve government efficiency, Democrats see it as political theatre, arguing that the GOP is merely trying to clean up problems they themselves created.
“Republicans have been in charge for more than two decades,” Sutton reiterated. “They built the system they’re now trying to fix.”
Democratic lawmakers suggest that instead of forming new commissions, the state should focus on better oversight and accountability within the current government structure.
What Happens Next?
The DOGE Bill has passed out of a subcommittee and is now awaiting review by the Finance Committee. If it advances, the full Senate will debate and vote on the proposal before it can move to the House.
As the political battle over government spending intensifies, South Carolina residents will be watching closely to see whether this bill leads to meaningful financial reform or simply becomes another partisan blame game.
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