NEW REVENUE IDEAS

Springfield may be on to something.

The city council this week voted to add $100-$300 to the state
penalties for using marijuana in a park or other public place.

Last November Massachusetts voters made the possession of small
amounts of marijuana a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 for
those who are caught smoking pot in a public place. Cities and towns,
which enforce the law, have the option of adding on additional fines,
and that's what Springfield will do. It has raised some concerns among
civil libertarians and may still need to be tested in court, but as a
revenue-generating idea we think it has merit and deserve
consideration. Amherst could make a windfall slapping fines on all the
people who show up for the annual Extravaganja - the celebration of
marijuana - on the town common. Hiking the fines is also a good way to
discourage the public use of the drug.

Then there is Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to extend the state's 5
percent sales tax to alcohol, candy and soda.

Right now food is exempt from the sale tax, which it should be, but
candy, soda and booze are not among the major food groups for a
healthy diet.

The governor has pitched this as a way to encourage "healthy choices"
and raise $121 million for health programs, like substance abuse
prevention. The governor argues that the tax "might discourage the
consumption of empty calories." Obesity is a problem and soda and
candy are big factors in making Americans overweight. Patrick is
taking some heat from those who say he is imposing his idea of healthy
eating habits on state residents.

Frankly, Patrick doesn't need to make the argument on health. The
state needs revenue - along with greater efficiencies and a closer
watch on wasteful spending. Tax candy, booze and soda for the money.
If it promotes healthier lifestyles, all the better, but taxing
discretionary products makes more sense than some of the other
proposals being floated.

Extending the sales tax and raising fines for using marijuana in
public are worth discussing.