Pennsylvania State Stores

Sometimes you do things that you know will have no effect, but it just makes you feel better for having done them.  I assume the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation today to privatize Pennsylvania's state run liquor stores.  I also know this is a popular move--a clear majority of the state's voters approve.  Nonetheless, it is a bad idea.  Here's my letter sent to my state representative, Doyle Heffley:

I’ll make a few predictions about the sale of the State Stores.  First, the bill will pass.  Even though many Republican legislators have doubts about the policy, because of the way campaigns are funded through the legislative campaign committees, they will all fall into line.  

Once the State Stores are sold, the following things will happen:

• Alcoholism will go up.  The pressure to sell will outweigh good sense.  This does not happen when clerks are public employees.

• Drunken driving will increase.  The proposal even allows the sale of alcoholic beverages at gas stations.

• Police will be called for more crimes involving alcohol.

• Underage drinking will increase.

• The variety of wines and liquors available will drop as outlets concentrate on just a few of the most profitable brands.

• What were good paying middle class jobs will become minimum wage jobs.

• The state will lose an annual source of revenue for a one-time windfall.

• And finally, in a year or two, scandals will erupt as payoffs are made for licenses.  This is Pennsylvania, after all.

I know you plan to vote for this bill.  My final prediction is that in ten years you will look back and realize what a mistake this was.  Unfortunately it will be too late.

That's the letter.  It has occurred to me that with all the campaign contributions pouring in from the wine and liquor outlets, Heffley could love the bill in spite of the social problems it will have created.