Wolf Puts New PA Liquor Proposal On The Bar
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG PA (CBS) -- As state budget negotiations inch along and Pennsylvania nears the end of a third month without a spending plan, Governor Wolf has put a new proposal on the table to overhaul liquor sales in the state.
One of the issues that has left Pennsylvania without a budget since June 30th is legislative Republican leaders' desire to privatize liquor sales. Last week, Governor Wolf proposed a new plan: a ten to 25 year lease to a private entity that would manage liquor sales. The private entity would have discretion over the number and location of stores, but would also be required to retain the current workforce. Governor Wolf was asked what took until now to make such an offer…
"Getting our side to come around to some very difficult positions on liquor and pensions. That's what's changed. That took time."
Still to be negotiated would be wine in grocery stores and six packs in convenience stores. The speaker of the House told PennLive.com Wolf's plan is not a real privatization plan, as it would still be state-owned system, but a spokesman for House Republicans claims they have not rejected the proposal
