Columbia, SC — The State’s detailed reports of the Department of Revenue data breach have been valuable in informing your readers of matters critically important to their financial security. Looking beyond the immediate situation toward an assessment of the processes of our state government, it is worth noting that the most pertinent information was disclosed as a direct consequence of inquiries by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman.

Informed and concerned readers should see this as emblematic of the Finance Committee’s pivotal role, including the annual appropriations process, and should note with the greatest interest the committee’s positions and recommendations in future matters.

Dale M. Rhodes

Columbia