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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Dwight Evans |
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Evans: "historic" claim false on privatization action
HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., said today the claim that somehow the debate about whether to privatize the state liquor system is "historic" is "just plain nonsense."
"This issue has been debated for decades," Evans said. "While it did not face a final vote every time it was debated, in February 1992 it did – and the proposal was defeated 149-47."
Evans is talking about the current on-again-off-again debate of a proposal (H.B. 11) by House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, who has led the charge to sell the state system. The latest version expands the potential licensees to existing beer distributors.
Floor debate was held in the House this week but consideration was delayed when proponents determined they did not have enough votes to clear the House. There have been reports the debate would continue next week, although the vote count remains unclear.
Evans said, "If you are going to sell off a state asset, something which belongs to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, you better make certain you get the best deal possible – not just the immediate financial return but the consequence of that sale financially and otherwise, farther down the road."
Evans said the 1992 debate can be seen in the House Legislative Journal of Feb. 5, 1992.
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