Steven Pearlstein brought up an interesting idea in his February 10 column in regards to how the recent snowstorms have derailed many people’s lives. Pearlstein proposes snow insurance. Basically taxes and fees are raised for households and businesses and in return, this money would fund the manpower and equipment necessary to clear the amount of snow we have had in a reasonable amount of time. Businesses have lost money because they have had to shut down and some of them still have to pay their employees even when they’re not working. Not only are businesses losing money, but citizens are losing money because of not being able to go to work.
This column was interesting because Pearlstein looked at what the recent snowstorms have done from an economical standpoint. The only problem I have with this column is that this area does not get this amount of snow often to necessarily warrant the raise in taxes and fees. Most seasons we’re lucky to get four inches of snow.This is the first article in the media that I have seen in regards to the economic impact of the snow. Most media outlets are focusing on the roads, schools, which roads haven’t been plowed, etc. But Pearlstein focuses on something that is a concern to a lot of common people. While some people are glad to not have to work, myself included, there are some people that need to work because they need the money. The news values present in this column are impact, proximity and currency.
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