Governor wants Pa. out of liquor business

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PITTSBURGH, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Gov. Tom Corbett Wednesday announced he plans to privatize Pennsylvania's system of state liquor stores, using the proceeds for public schools.

Corbett said selling off the licenses would bring in $1 billion, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. But his plan must pass the Legislature, which has rejected earlier privatization efforts.

"The selling of alcohol is not a core responsibility of government, but education is," the Republican governor told reporters at a news conference in Pittsburgh. "I believe it's time to give Pennsylvanians what they want: choice and convenience."

Dominic Pileggi, the Republican majority leader of the Senate, said he is not sure total privatization is needed. He suggested state laws could be changed to allow more sales of beer and wine in supermarkets and convenience stores without selling off the state stores.