The governor's agenda has always been one of smaller government, less spending, more choices for parents and government restructuring. The fact that the House shares that agenda with the governor in the coming year is welcome.

One of the biggest things we can get out of it is finding out what stakeholders expect from state government.

We would certainly be concerned about yet another expansion in the state's higher education system at a time when parents and students are experiencing double-digit tuition increases.

Many parents, you could offer all types of choices, and they're going to choose what is most convenient.

When Dan Cooper puts together a budget that shatters state spending records, I can understand why he's sensitive about someone looking over his shoulder. But Gov. Sanford's job is to look out for the hard-working taxpayers of this state, and that's always going to be his top priority.

We will be making an announcement tomorrow regarding the Department of Commerce, but I can't comment specifically about the announcement in advance of it.