A local lawmaker is introducing a bill dealing with the controversial issue of moving liquor licenses in the state of Pennsylvania.
“I want our municipalities, if they want it, to be able to vote for a redevelopment area where they can bring some restaurants back into the downtown areas or the areas that were once thriving but are no longer and then you can’t move them, you can’t sell them to Cranberry, you can’t sell them to Buffalo Township, it’s gotta stay in Butler.”
State Representative Brian Ellis thinks that action needs to be taken after grocery and convenience stores are buying up many liquor licenses and moving them away from areas trying to rebuild.
Ellis also looks forward to debate about a controversial part of Governor Wolf’s recent budget proposal, namely charging a fee to municipalities who rely on State Police protection to make up for lower funding.
“He wants to reduce the fund by 13.35 million and make up for it with the $25 fee, charging in our area pretty much everybody but the city of Butler and Butler Township. Any of the places whether it be Summit or Oakland or Clearfield or Donegal where the State Police are monitoring those areas, taxpayers are paying for it.”
Ellis has an Eggs and Issues Breakfast scheduled for four different days and locations next month. Visit RepEllis.com for more information.
Written by Ryan Saeler