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OPINIONS
[ Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003 ]

Letter to the Editor
DUI legislation passed to secure federal funds

In response to Mr. Morse's letter ("New blood alcohol limit will not deter criminals," Oct. 1), I would like to add a key piece of information he omitted that may help explain why the blood alcohol limit was ultimately lowered. The federal government gave states a financial incentive to do so. By passing this legislation, Pennsylvania will receive $11 million in federal funds. Our Commonwealth was actually one of the last states to do so and missed an earlier deadline for an even larger amount of federal money. Notwithstanding the sincerity of legislators in their belief, this legislation will deter drunken driving (some have been advocating for this since 1991), and evidence from studies that indicate 0.08 level is a more accurate reflection of impairment, a major driving force behind this legislation was the money.

Brett Altland
Class of 2003
 



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