Dec 12 2008
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is not a total jerk.
With all the controversy surrounding Rod Blagojevich, it is easy to forget about the good that he’s been involved with while in politics. One of these examples came in October of 2007 when governor Blagojevich signed into law a bill permitting Illinois residents to purchase up to 12 cases of wine per year directly from any Illinois or out-of-state winery that obtains the necessary shipping licenses. This allowed wineries producing less than 25,000 gallons of wine a year to sell directly to retailers, something that become illegal post-prohibition. Governor Rod Blagojevich was quoted as saying "Illinois has a vibrant and growing wine industry, which is quickly becoming an integral part of the state’s culture, as well as putting more and more people to work. This legislation builds on our ongoing efforts to promote Illinois wineries, and allows them to continue to expand and remain competitive." This wasn’t the first time that governor Blagojevich has stuck up for the Illinois wine community. In 2005, he announced $83,000 to support several value-added agriculture projects in southern Illinois that then promoted the states growing wine industry and specialty crop markets. The funds, which were distributed as part of the Governors comprehensive Opportunity Returns economic development strategy, encouraged growth in niche markets of Illinois agriculture, such as wine. One of the greatest aspects of our free nation is the notion that one is innocent until proven guilty. We here at Just Grapes aren’t tied to political agendas, and we most certainly believe in equality and fairness for all. If the governor is guilty, the courts will decide, but in the meantime, we’re going to enjoy the fact that anyone could start up a winery and compete directly with the big boys, at least in Illinois. Sources: Bill Daley, Chicago Tribune – Illinois Department of Agriculture |
It’s not quite that simple. The winery shipment is a good thing, but it came at the cost of denying shipping by out of state retailers. As a retailer yourself, wouldn’t you want the ability to ship to all fifty states?
I agree with you Chicago Pinot that its definitely not that simple. Anything to do with wine shipments are never simple. We absolutely wished all 50 states borders would open up to a open market shipping policy. We have to turn down several orders a day from states we are not allowed to ship to. I turned down over $1500- worth of orders alone in the last 2 hours from MA & PA which I can not ship to. Consumer should have the right to choose who they wish to order from. The only thing I can say is that allowing us retailers to have access to small artisan wineries that would not of otherwise have received representation is this market place is the better than nothing. We pride ourselves in finding the small producers that over delivery for their price point. This law will help us continue to achieve this mission.
There were a number of problems with HB 429, which was signed by the Governor after he received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Illinois alcohol wholesalers:
Upon passage, it became illegal for JustGrapes to ship wine to California.
Upon passage, it became illegal for JustGrapes to ship wine to Missouri
Upon passage, it became illegal for JustGrapes to ship wine to New Mexico
Upon passage, it became illegal for JustGrapes to ship wine to Idaho
Upon passage, Illinois Consumers lost access to out-of-state retailers
Upon passage, IL largest wineries could no longer sell direct to Just grapes.
HB 429 was the LEAST that could be done to accommodate the commercial mandates of the U.S. Constitution while still protecting Illinois Wholesalers from competition.