Here's some good news that may affect your taxes.

The SC Senate has adopted a rule that will require the disclosure of "earmarks."

Earmarks are for money written into the proposed state spending plan (aka "the budget").

These tax dollars are to be spent on local projects.

That means all of us in Lexington County help pay for projects elsewhere in the state.

An example is the millions of dollars in state tax money being spent to bring the Carolina Panthers training facility to Rock Hill.

This is a state expense Sen. Dick Harpootlian who reprersnes the Irmo area and other senators have questioned.

Projects like this may or may not benefit you and our community.

For years earmarks were slipped quietly into the budget or bob-tailed on bills that had nothing to do with the spending.

It was a way for lawmakers to get state tax dollars for their pet projects back home.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey who represents western Lexington County said the Senate will publish a list that:

- Identifies local projects in the budget that senators will have to vote on.

- Explains each project and its cost.

- Names the senators who requested money for each project.

"I think this is an important step for transparency in budgeting," Sen. Massey said.

We agree. 

The state spending plan is a massive document.

A lot of questionable spending is tucked into it each year,

How lawmakers spend our money should interest all of us.

That means even if it's for a project in our own back yards.

To comment on this step toward transparency, write JerryBellune@yahoo.com