UFCW Urges Support for Rep. Gene DiGirolamo's Modernization Plan

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV urged House members to support Representative Gene DiGirolamo's legislation to modernize the state's Wine and Spirits Stores to increase customer convenience and generate significant new revenues for the Commonwealth.

"The legislature has the opportunity and the responsibility to make a very valuable asset even stronger and generate up to $185 million a year in badly-needed revenue that could be used to help fund our public schools," said Young.

"Rep. DiGirolamo's proposal strikes a common sense balance between customer convenience and responsible sales and distribution of wine and spirits," Young added. "Given the looming budget deficit, now is the time to pass this legislation and send it to the governor's desk."

Among other provisions, Rep. DiGirolamo's bill, introduced today, would eliminate the 25 percent cap on amount of stores that can be open on Sunday and eliminate restrictions on hours of operation for these stores. The bill also would ease and encourage development of more stores either inside of or adjacent to grocery stores.

In addition, the bill provides for direct shipment of wine to PA consumers as well as to out-of-state consumers, and allows for consortium product buying that would enable the PLCB to secure the very best price for Pennsylvania consumers.

Young noted the legislation has bipartisan support and mirrors similar proposals that have attracted support from both parties in the Senate. The bill stands in stark contrast to risky 'privatization lite' plans that would ultimately destroy the PLCB.

"Privatization would put 5,000 Pennsylvanians out of work, jeopardize more than $550 million in tax revenues and profits, and create increased public health and safety risks in every community in PA," Young said. "It makes no sense to outsource these jobs and this valuable asset to Walmart."

For more information, visit www.ufcwpawineandspiritscouncil.com.

SOURCE UFCW Local 1776