BEAVER COUNTY TIMES: Like several of his predecessors, Gov.-elect Tom Corbett has pledged to get the commonwealth out of the business of selling wine and spirits…
First, Republicans will have comfortable majorities in the state House and Senate, which will give them more than enough votes to privatize the unionized stores. (The only wildcard might be opposition from those conservatives in the so-called T of Pennsylvania who still believe that repealing Prohibition was a mistake. However, if caucus leaders can maintain party discipline, that shouldn’t be a factor.)
Second, and most important, the budget crunch the state faces next year creates a political environment that makes taking such a dramatic step as this possible. Selling off the state stores would be a quick way to raise a lot of money. For lawmakers who are looking at cutting services even further, this easy money is going to be hard to pass up… (more)
Once the State Stores are sold, how will Pennsylvania replace the revenue it earns? Either taxes will need to be raised, or even more programs cut.