Dear Friend:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with my office to express your views on the important issues related to gun violence and school safety measures.

As a former law enforcement official, I certainly understand the importance of keeping violent criminals off of Pennsylvania’s streets while upholding our unwavering commitment to protect law abiding citizen’s Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.  While no additional restrictions on the rights of law abiding citizens can stop violent predators intent on committing crime, there are a number of ways my administration is working to protect our schools, keep dangerous criminals off the street and provide care for those suffering from mental illness.

I believe that it is important to ensure the safety of our students against violent criminals.  That is why I have proposed to invest $1 billion in our public schools with the privatization of our wine and spirit system over the next 4 years through my Passport to Learning Program.  This proposal would provide funding for local school districts to invest in initiatives designed to fit the need of each school, including security programs to protect our students.

As part of our efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s communities, I was pleased to sign HB 898 into law on October 25, 2012.  This law imposes strict sentences for those who participate in straw purchasing of firearms for individuals who are legally ineligible to own a gun.  This measure is critical to our ongoing efforts to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.  It is essential that we equip our law enforcement officials with the tools and resources necessary to enforce our existing laws.  For this reason, I have also proposed three additional classes of state police cadets in the next fiscal year.  These classes will provide up to 290 new troopers to ensure that our State Police force retains the necessary man power to protect our communities.

It is also important to note the critical role of mental health policy in ensuring the safety of our Commonwealth.  In my budget address for Fiscal Year 2013-2014, I have proposed investing $40 million to provide critical services to families and individuals affected by intellectual and physical disabilities, including people with mental illnesses.  This additional funding will help provide necessary care to bring services to our most vulnerable citizens and enables them to live independently, safely and productively in our communities.

Thank you again for your correspondence on this important topic.  I believe the action and proposals I have laid out will help protect Pennsylvanians.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any future questions or concerns related to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,
TOM CORBETT
Governor

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Same here too, i'm glad they want to privatize wine and spirits too. Hopefully this will lead to private beer distributors too and no silly can only buy by the case rule. Why do you think so many people in Philly goto NJ to get craft beer. Craft beer is getting bigger and bigger every year and there are some rare/expensive beers that you just can't get by the case. The few restaurant's with liquor licenses just doesn't compare to what NJ offers, looks like they'll toss out the antiquated liquor laws hopefully.

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I agree mostly.  The craft beer scene in PA is pretty awesome but some beers you just don't need a case off.  I really like what Giant Eagle is doing with their liquor license.  The Giant Eagle near my dads house is possibly in the top 10 bottle shops I have visited from all over the country.