After about seven hours of debate just five Republicans--Representatives Paul Clymer, R-145, Gene DiGirolamo, R-18, Frank Farry, R-142, Mark Gillen R-128, and Tom Murt, R-152--broke ranks to join with Democrats in opposition to the plan by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett (R) to dismantle to state liquor store system.
"Today is truly a historic day," Corbett said. "Never before has a liquor privatization bill passed through either chamber of the legislature, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and commitment the House and their leadership have shown to the people of Pennsylvania today."
Groups which have come out in opposition to the Governors liquor privatization plan include MADD, SADD, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the PA Fraternal Order of Police, Professional Firefighters, the NAACP, Pennsylvanians Concerned About Alcohol Problems, the Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, and the CLEAR Coalition.
The CLEAR Coalition represents 1.1 million working Pennsylvanians is concerned that HB 790 jeopardizes 5,000 PLCB jobs, 1,100 local beer distributors and the 12,000 jobs that those distributors employ. CLEAR called the privatization plan "shortsighted" and "part of a flawed budget proposal that woefully underfunds vital state programs, including our public schools and vital healthcare services for our most vulnerable citizens."
"This is just bad public policy all the way around. It threatens good, family-sustaining jobs. It threatens more than $500 million a year in revenues and profits for the state. And it threatens the public health and safety in every community in our state," said Rick Bloomingdale, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.