A great idea, but at the wrong time

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer's proposal to create a program that will help the state's senior citizens avoid fraudulent businesses is a well-intentioned idea that may be coming at the most inopportune time. ...

Great idea, if not for the budget shortfalls currently being experienced by the state. At a time when state agencies are being asked to make severe cuts to their budgets equaling 7 percent of the total state budget, it's inappropriate to be creating new programs that aren't absolutely necessary. ...

No one doubts Bauer's commitment to helping this state's seniors, and there might be an appropriate time for South Carolina to enact Senior Shield or a similar program. For now, though, as the state struggles with decreasing revenues and a tight economy, it should make sure it's not instituting new programs that duplicate already existing services.

The Greenville News