The next Dedicated Alcohol Tax Coalition meeting was scheduled to take place on November 18. It has been rescheduled for January 6 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The meeting has been postponed due to vacation schedules and the upcoming holidays.
After a number of discussions with coalition members, the coalition would like to propose a change in plans. Rather than developing a “steering committee,” which sounds too controlling and exclusive, the coalition proposes the idea of an organizing committee and invites anyone who is interested to attend. Many members have stated that they will be able to assist at different times and at different levels. This idea will be discussed further on January 6.
PCPA was invited recently to present dedicated alcohol tax ideas to the Hospital and HealthSystem of Pennsylvania (HAP) and the Cumberland/Perry Drug & Alcohol Commission. The following text is from an email received from HAP:
"The Council voted on a resolution of support for concept of beer/Johnstown Flood tax revenue as a funding source for D&A services. The resolution also expresses the intent that as soon as there is legislation drafted to send the issue to the HAP board for support."
PCPA also received excellent feedback from the Cumberland/Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission. Attached is a copy of the PowerPoint presentation PCPA has been presenting.
Lynn Cooper, PCPA deputy director, is pleased to report that George Hacker from The Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, DC, will again assist with the facilitation of the January 6 meeting and provide an update on national activities.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the meeting on January 6. Thank you for your support. If you have any questionsplease contact Lynn Cooper at PCPA.
