State Rep. Milne Praises Liquor Privatization Push

State Rep. Duane Milne (R-157) issued a statement yesterday praising Governor Tom Corbett’s push to privatize Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirits stores.

The Republican, who just began his fourth term representing a district that includes East Pikeland and Charlestown townships, said that, as a fervid supporter of free enterprise, he hopes the popular reform initiative is successful.

Below are Milne’s full remarks:

“I am most pleased to see that the governor has made privatization of the liquor stores a top priority for this legislative session in 2013-14. As a staunch supporter of free enterprise, I look forward to the chance to move this initiative forward. The people of Pennsylvania ultimately want choice and a system that allows them to purchase beer and wine in the same location. This convenience is consistently a top priority among Pennsylvanians who are polled on this issue. Time and time again, those polled favor privatization.

“Ultimately, privatization would bring an influx of cash into the Commonwealth at time when it is so desperately needed. The move would also cut down on long-term costs such as employee pensions in the state store system and store rent into the future, ultimately saving money.

“I support this move and plan to work hard to move legislation targeting privatization forward.”

According to Milne's office, under the governor’s plan, the sale of liquor store licenses would bring in about $1 billion to be used for education grants.