Thinking big

While the Pennsylvania Legislature debates what to designated as the state reptile and is busy issuing proclamations, somebody is thinking about how to deal with the state's fiscal crisis.

In this case, it would be the staff of The Harrisburg Patriot-News, which published a series of articles Sunday under the banner, "Big Ideas for Pennsylvania."

"We're in a real mess here with the June 30 budget deadline looming," the newspaper says. "The state is looking at a $3 billion deficit and there are no signs that the economy is going to improve any time soon."

The suggestions are intended to spark debate on ways the state can save money or find new sources of revenue.

The "big ideas" include:

1) Sell the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

2) Charge tolls on Pennsylvania's interstates

3) Expand gambling in Pennsylvania

4) Enact a mileage tax

5) Give state employees a 4-day work week

6) Overhaul the state pension program

I don't agree with all of the ideas, but I applaud the newspaper for offering the pros and cons of each. It's a shame the most expensive state Legislature in the country can't find the time to discuss these proposals in between voting on proclamations such as "June Is Dairy Month."

P.S. -- The Patriot-News is also taking suggestions from readers for other ways the state can save money.