Union Hits Corbett on Liquor Privatization; Says Will ‘Destroy Business’
Governor Tom Corbett says he wants the state Senate to give him a liquor privatization bill by June 30th. And until that time, the union representing liquor store workers, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1776, will be airing television and radio commercials calling an end to the state monopoly a “reckless scheme” that will “raise our...
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Gov. Corbett Tweets About Liquor A Lot — But Can It Save His Career?
As Governor Tom Corbett’s approval ratings continue circling the drain, and Democrats circle their wagons around his job, there seems to be only one issue that anyone believes can save the dude’s 2014 chances: Liquor privatization. It’s his most popular issue with a majority of the state. Polls have consistently shown a large majority of Pennsylvanians...
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Rep. Sims on Liquor Privatization: “This is the System We’re Stuck With”
During his Tuesday budget address, Gov. Tom Corbett reiterated his proposal to privatize Pennsylvania’s liquor monopoly and funnel the cash infusion thus produced straight to the school system. “I can think of no better use for the proceeds created by getting us out of a business we should never have been in than to put those dollars toward the essential...
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Corbett Wants to Sell Off State Booze Monopoly For Convenience, Schools
Gov. Corbett on liquor sales: "We shouldn't do it halfway." On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Tom Corbett and several Republican legislators held a press conference in Pittsburgh to announce a new plan to get the Pennsylvania government out of the liquor business—fully, and for good. The conference began with Lt. Gov. Cowley, who noted Wednesday’s...
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DAILY GRINDER: Philly Dems Getting Ready to Combat Pa. Lottery Privatization
The Penn-syl-van-ia LOTT-ER-Y must die No shock here: Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are not happy about Gov. Tom Corbett’s plans to privatize everything, including the Pennsylvania lottery system (which benefits older Pennsylvanians everyday.) State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) said the governor needs to at least come to the...
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Liquor Bill Dead–For Now
Don’t say you didn’t see this coming: State Rep. Mike Turzai said this morning that the liquor privatization bill is dead—for now. “It’s clear that people are supportive of privatization. it’s common sense,” Turzai said, according to this Morning Call report. “Consumers are expecting it. But to get to the sweet spot to be able...
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What Happened to the Liquor Privatization Debate?
Will beer keg backpacks still be legal? Wasn’t the liquor debate supposed to be done by now? After some energy at the beginning of the week, the House has scheduled more debate for, well, next week. And after that, maybe the week after. And so on/so forth/etc. As punned by Capitol Ideas, the liquor privatization idea may have lost its fizz, but isn’t necessarily...
Continue ReadingIs Liquor Privatization an LGBT Issue? Some Say Yes
Add this to the list of groups who may oppose liquor privatization: Equality PA today says privatizing the state’s wine and spirits stores “is an issue LGBT citizens need to understand thoroughly.” And it may come up in debate this week, as the state Legislature is set to vote on House Bill 11 which would sort of privatize the state liquor industry, eventually. Currently,...
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What You Should Know About This Week’s Potential Liquor Vote
Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai has taken it upon himself to make the privatization of the state’s liquor industry his pet project. And on Friday, he promised a vote on a bill which would do just that. The vote is set to come up this week—possibly today. But like the history of this issue, from prohibition’s demise to the present, it’s...
Continue ReadingDAILY GRINDER: PLCB App Tells You How to Get Drunk Faster, Cheaper
Who says alcoholism and technology don’t mix? (Answer: no one. Everyone knows you’re not really drinking alone if you’re also playing online X-Box against some dude in Sweden.) The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board recently rolled out a new iPhone application “meant to make it easier to find your favorite wines and liquors.” It’ll allow users to search...
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