PA NAACP opposes the plan, claiming it will put 5,000 Pennsylvanians out of work
Governor Tom Corbett, joined by Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, on Thursday announced his plan to privatize the liquor system in Pennsylvania and committed $1 billion in proceeds from the process to education funding.
Corbett said that the $1 billion will be used to create the Passport for Learning Block Grant, which will provide flexibility to schools, allowing our public schools, instead of Harrisburg, to decide what their students need.
Gov. Corbett’s plan to dismantle the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and put 5,000 Pennsylvanians out of work jeopardizes public health and safety in every community in the state, said J. Whyatt Mondesire, President of the Pennsylvania NAACP.
“It is unacceptable that our Governor would propose tripling or quadrupling the number of liquor and beer stores in the state while destroying 5,000 family-sustaining jobs at the same time,” Mondesire said today. “It makes absolutely no sense, and our members stand united in opposing this scheme.”
The NAACP represents Pennsylvanians in every corner of the Commonwealth who are dedicated to building strong, safe communities, Mondesire said. He explained that the Governor’s proposal to give convenience stores and grocery stores the ability to sell beer and wine will erode the quality of life in urban neighborhoods throughout the state.
“We’ve all seen how nuisance bars can ruin a neighborhood. Turning corner stores into beer shops will not help improve any neighborhood anywhere in this state. I have not heard a single neighborhood leader stand up and say, ‘What we need in my community is another liquor store or two.’ It’s absurd,” Mondesire said.
He added that the Pennsylvania NAACP welcomes the opportunity to testify on the Governor’s proposal before lawmakers in coming months.
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