Harrisburg – June 18, 2013 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement on the liquor privatization plan offered by Sen. McIlhinney.
“Senate Democrats are unified in support of modernization not privatization.
“We believe that the system should be modernized and have offered details in legislation sponsored by Senator Ferlo. Senator Ferlo’s modernization plan has the full support of Senate Democrats.
“The modernization plan updates and refreshes the Wine and Spirits system, preserves jobs, improves convenience for consumers and provides protection against minors gaining access to alcohol.
“The plan offered by Senator McIlhinney confuses the issue and raises significant questions about lost revenues and wine and spirits expansion into to tens of thousands retail outlets without control.
“Instead of cobbling a new plan together at the last minute, the Senate Republicans should use Senator Ferlo’s legislation which has bipartisan support and sponsorship.
“The plan outlined today has too many questions. It bleeds revenue and cuts jobs without replacement and fails to address concerns that have been raised.
“It’s time to modernize, not privatize.”
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