Governor Corbett along with other members of congressional leadership went to Philadelphia Thursday to promote their plan to revamp the current liquor control laws in Pennsylvania. PA is one of only two states to have a fully state-controlled liquor system. Under the new plan the state would get out of the business of marketing alcohol. Governor Corbett stated, “The state will no longer be a marketer of alcohol; instead, it will now focus on its role as a regulator.”
The transition of the new plan with produce $1 Billion in new revenue for the state. These proceeds will be allocated towards education with a proposed Learning Block Grant. The grant will allow public schools the ability to decide how the funds are allocated based on need rather than having the state dictate where money should be spent for an individual school.
While the transition produces $1 Billion in new revenue (selling off assets and licensing), the governor indicated that the rest of the actual proposal is fiscally neutral. Any revenue not returned to the state due to the privatization will come back in restructured fees. Increased enforcement will be paid for through increased fines towards violations.
“Our proposal is part of my commitment to changing Harrisburg, streamlining government and moving Pennsylvania forward,” Corbett said. “Our plan gives consumers what they want by increasing choice and convenience, and helps to secure our future by adding $1 billion in funding toward the education of our children, without raising any taxes.”
For the full press release click here
