A MADISON MAN HAS HIS OWN IDEA FOR SOLVING THE COUNTRY'S FINANCIAL MESS
- - LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.

Gary Storck co-founded Madison's chapter of NORML, the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. He says legalizing pot
would bring huge money into the federal coffers just like booze did
President Franklin Roosevelt ended prohibition 75 years ago.

NORML and similar groups have argued for years that the government
could make a fortune if it taxed marijuana plants instead of going
after those who grow and sell it.

Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project says it could bring
$10-$40 billion a year to state and local governments.

Congress would have to approve the legalization.

A spokesman for Janesville's Paul Ryan, the ranking Republican on the
House Budget Committee, didn't have a comment.