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Turzai's Twenty Liquor Lies
Representative Turzai on PCN

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai took part in PCN's Legislative call-in program on Tuesday, February 10th sparking many callers and questions regarding his latest plan to privatize the PLCB.  

His answers, or lack-there-of, has us questioning: Is Turzai grossly uninformed about his own legislation to dismantle the PLCB or is he just a liar? 
Turzai: The PLCB has been operating in the red for the past 10 years. 

Fact: The PLCB's net profit for the past 10 years is almost $1 billion total.

 

Turzai: There is going to be an auctioning off of 1,200 wine and spirits licenses.

Fact: There is not one mention of auctioning licenses in House Bill 790 or his current legislation House Bill 466.

 

Tuzai: When West Virginia went to the private sector they saw an increase in revenue.

Fact: West Virginia lost millions and has never financially recovered since privatizing. 

 

Turzai: There will be no increase in unemployment compensation and all PLCB jobs will be absorbed in the private sector. 

Fact: The Public Financial Management study (commissioned by former Governor Corbett and endorsed by Turzai) states 2,302 full-time equivalent employees will lose their jobs and cost more than $64 million in unemployment costs over four years.

 

Turzai: There will be open dialogue and everyone will be at the table to discuss issues.

Fact: There has not been a House hearing on liquor privatization since 2011.

 

Turzai: The public supports privatization at a 70-75% approval rating and there is widespread support for his plan.

Fact: No poll shows this claim.  Instead, recent polls show support going the other way. Also, dozens of groups oppose House Bill 790 from last session.

 

Read all twenty of Turzai's lies here

 
ACTION REQUIRED!

 You, the constituents, need to spread the word about why modernization is the best option for Pennsylvania.  Let your neighbors, friends and family know and mostly importantly, tell your legislators to support modernization NOT privatization.  Refer to Rep. Gene DiGirolomo's modernization proposal here


Modernization is the better choice for Pennsylvania.  Here's what it would do:
  • Expand the number of Sunday stores and hours of operation on Sundays;
  • Allow for more stores inside of or adjacent to grocery stores and family-owned Main Street beer distributors;
  • Allow for direct shipment of wine to consumers;
  • Allow the agency more flexibility in setting prices;
  • Allow for the sale of lottery tickets in Wine and Spirits Stores.

Modernization proposals would generate $185 million a year in addition to the more than $566 million in taxes, profits and other transfers that the agency made to taxpayers last year.

 

You, the constituents, need to spread the word about why modernization is the best option for Pennsylvania.  Let your neighbors, friends and family know and mostly importantly, tell your legislators to support modernization NOT privatization.

 

In the News...
Privatization is back in the news and that means we need to make our voices heard and respond with pro-modernization, anti-privatization letters!

In your own words, write a letter that describes why privatization is bad for our state.  Mention job loss, revenue loss, risking public safety, nuisance liquor stores on every corner and less selection (especially in rural areas!)



Read up on the latest editorial responses from UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young, IV:



UFCW member and PA State Senator Tina Tartaglione's Letter in the
Philadelphia Inquirer: Raise a glass to modernization