PLCB

 All Wine and Spirit Store members: Please visit the Action Center to download a flyer for posting on every store union bulletin board.  House Majority Leader Mike Turzai is stepping up his campaign to privatize the stores, saying that he will seek a vote on the floor of the House next week.  He is asking for out-of-state corporate money to fund his effort, and is working behind the scenes to lean on House members to support his drive.

The PA Senate is considering common-sense legislation to modernize the operation of PA's Wine and Spirits stores.  The long-overdue provisions of SB 1287  would benefit consumers and all Pennshylvania taxpayers.  Visit here for a summary of the moderni

Gov. Tom Corbett told Fox TV-43 in Harrisburg that he still intends to push for privatization of the PA Wine and Spirits stores.  For the television station's report on the interview, visit here.

The Huffington Post today (1/27/12) carried a comprehensive report on efforts around the country to privatize liquor stores, and included comments by Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV.  For the full story, visit here.

In the face of continued threats of privatization of alcohol sales, the Virginia ABC stores have posted their 13th consecutive year of  record-high profits.  The most recent attempt at privatization by the VA Governor failed when it was found that his plan wouldn't raise enough funds to match what the current state system brings into the state's treasury.  To read the full story in the Virginia Pilot, visit here.

KYW-AM's January 2012 Regional Affairs Council series focuses on the debate over the proposed privatization of PA's Wine and Spirits stores.  The series includes an interview with Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV.  You can listen to or read the four part series -- about one minute of audio each -- by visiting here.

Contrary to the impression that PA State Rep. Mike Turzai and his band of privateers try to create, the wisdom of liquor sale privatization is not an open and shut case around the country and around the world.

Democratic lawmakers  in Harrisburg have asked Gov. Corbett to focus on road and bridge repairs, but the Corbett Administration signals that it will hold this key priority hostage to its desire for school vouchers, shale gas fees and privatizing the PA Wine and Spirits stores.  To read the full story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, visit here.

January 4, 2012

Dear Local 1776 Wine and Spirit stores member:
 
I want to thank you for your efforts during the past 12 months to stop House Republican Leader Mike Turzai's reckless scheme to dismantle the PLCB and put 3,500 UFCW members out of work.  Working together, we achieved a great victory as the House Liquor Control Committee gutted Turzai’s Bill, HB 11.  Now, we need to build on that victory as we head into a new year.