This past June, Pennsylvania became the 23rd state to offer its citizens a Powerball lottery. Tired of seeing its residents run off to Delaware each time a big jackpot was offered, the state took a risk in an effort to ease the financial burdens of senior citizen programs.
Despite the concerns of many state and local leaders, Powerball is on pace to bring nearly $100 million to Pennsylvania's battered economy. Most importantly, it provides an economic boost that does not involve cutting the budget or raising taxes.
It is this kind of creative fundraising that we hope is behind the recent decision to allow a trial run for Sunday liquor sales within the state. The proposal calls for a two-year study, with only 10 percent of state liquor stores participating initially.
Gov. Mark Schweiker, who spearheaded the campaign for Powerball, is taking another risk despite concerns from local and state leaders that this measure will lead to greater alcohol abuse and further corrupt economically-challenged communities.
This risk results from circumstances that are remarkably similar to the Powerball debate. Currently, Pennsylvania citizens merely circumvent the state's tough liquor laws, driving across the border to New Jersey and illegally bringing alcohol back home. The state's moral commitment to these strict laws is coming at a high price -- nearly $100 million in lost business each year -- that the state can no longer afford to pay.
In his campaign for governor, Ed Rendell said he would be able to cut $1 billion from the state budget and install slot machines at Pennsylvania race tracks. These plans seem to be in line with this new liquor sale initiative. All three are high risk, controversial measures that could potentially revitalize the state's economy and ease the tax burdens on residents and businesses.
We supported Rendell for his unconventional plans to boost the state's economy. We hope he takes Schweiker's lead and continues the liquor sale experiment. Powerball is a success, and we see no reason why Sunday liquor sales should be any different.
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