Faced with a multi-million dollar budget gap, mayor Vince Gray has proposed a budget that loosens D.C.’s alcohol regulations in exchange for more tax revenue. Under the changes, bars would stay open later and liquors stores would open earlier.
The idea of selling six-packs when the sun’s barely up might sound odd, but it’s conservative compared to other ways lawmakers and governors are trying to generate cash for their states. In California, Gov. Jerry Brown is selling T-shirts featuring pictures of his dog and donating $3 from each sale to the state’s general fund; Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars suggested that the state save $60 million by eliminating the 12th grade; and former GOP presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry imposed a $5 tax on strip club patrons in the state. Perry’s idea turned out to be the brightest, bringing in $15 million for sexual-assault prevention and state health insurance.
h/t: Mother Jones
