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News Regional & State News PA Auditor General Jack Wagner criticizes potential privatization of liquor stores
Wednesday, 30 November 2011 18:17

PA Auditor General Jack Wagner criticizes potential privatization of liquor stores

Written by  Mary Wilson

(Harrisburg) -- The state Auditor General is taking a shot at the proposal to turn state liquor sales over to the private sector. There have been a couple different estimates about how much the state could stand to make by privatizing its liquor system. Estimates range from $1 billion to $2 billion in one-time revenue. But, Auditor General Jack Wagner says those figures are pure speculation. "What is the real number? No one knows what the real number is. And that’s the point I want to make today," he says. "No one knows what that real number is." House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, sponsor of a privatization proposal, says Wagner is just kow-towing to the labor union representing liquor store employees. The legislature has a full plate for the remaining month of this year’s session. It has to settle the next decade’s district lines, both at the legislative and congressional level.  The two chambers are also negotiating a final Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling impact fee. So while the governor has said he wants the state out of the liquor business, the proposal may not be voted on until spring.

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# Helen 2011-12-01 11:44
Booze should only be sold in the state liquor stores. Drunks have to plan to stay sotted all weekend. Was married to one in N.J., Pa and found that life was safer in Pa. He often forgot to bring home the fuel to keep his anger going so as to beat us. Mobsters own the liguor stores in N.J. and other place not so regulated. Don't dismiss me, I vote every election and I am sober.
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# Ian 2011-12-01 13:18
Helen - Sorry that your husband had alcohol and anger issues, however most consumers of alcohol do not. Most are responsible and would rather have the benefits that come along with privatization. I lived in both NJ and PA my whole life. Mobsters in general DO NOT own liquor stores in NJ...only on The Soprano's. If your husband has heart and weight issues because he eats too many donuts...would you want to close the donut shops? No your husband needs to take responsibility for himself. We don't need our government to be our nannies, nor should they. Your arguments don't fly, I dismiss all of them.
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