Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) told a hometown newspaper neither liquor privatization nor pension reform, two priority items for Gov. Corbett, are likely to go to the Governor’s desk before the voting session ends on October 15.

He said he was disappointed lawmakers have been unable to reach agreement on pensions, “We don’t have the votes to make that transition (to a defined contribution plan).”

On liquor privatization, Sen. Pileggi the biggest impediments to privatizing state stores lies with the business owners who have purchased licenses to sell beer and wine and don’t want to see those investments devalued.

Also left for next session is a natural gas severance tax which he said will probably happen next year.  “We know it’s coming sooner than later.”

Sen. Pileggi called Gov. Corbett’s promise to avoid an extraction tax was a mistake and noted it contributed to the Governor’s low poll numbers and added he thought it was possible for Gov. Corbett to close the gap with Democratic challenger Tom Wolf, but other disagree.

On chances the Republican Senate will change parties, Sen. Pileggi said that is unlikely, although the GOP may lose a seat or two.

The Senate and House have just 5 voting days left this session-- October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15.

37 days remain to the November 4 election.

NewsClip: Sen. Pileggi Talks State Issues With BPA

9/29/2014