May 20, 2015

In This Issue...

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Something that Americans could use more of is jobs, but outrageous state laws often sabotage the efforts of entrepreneurs to grow jobs and fulfill dreams. This week, Pacific Legal Foundation formally launches a new campaign to target "Competitor's Veto" laws that exist in dozens of states, including Pennsylvania, that allow large, established businesses to "veto" their competition.

Killing jobs in Keystone State

Targeting Keystone State's "competitor's veto" law

You'd think in a state that houses Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell that freedom would ring loud and clear for the citizens of Pennsylvania. Not so for Cosmo and Mary Anne Losco. This entrepreneurial couple wants to start a new moving business, "College Hunks Moving," but they face the impossible task of getting permission from established moving companies who hold "veto" power over their application.

Under Pennsylvania law, the Loscos must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience. When you file a certificate, the state allows all existing moving companies to file objections whereupon the applicant is required to prove there is a "public need" for a new moving company.

"This was a shock." "It didn't make sense that existing moving companies get a 'vote' on who gets to do business. This system makes it nearly impossible to be approved for the license."

-- Cosmo Losco,

PLF Client

"This was a shock," said Cosmo. "It didn't make sense that existing moving companies get a 'vote' on who gets to do business. This system makes it nearly impossible to be approved for the license. This law against competition isn't just harming my wife and me," he continued. "This is hurting the people we want to serve."

Pacific Legal Foundation attorneys have just filed a new lawsuit on the Loscos' behalf to challenge this unconstitutional law. After winning a federal court ruling in Kentucky to strike down that state's "Competitor's Veto law on moving companies, and using litigation to pressure lawmakers in Oregon and Missouri to repeal similar laws, PLF has formally declared war in Pennsylvania, part of our Competitor's Veto campaign.

The case is Losco v. Powelson. More information can be found on PLF's website.

Crafty win

It took a PLF lawsuit and the fortitude of the owners of a small neighborhood craft beer restaurant in Stuart, Florida, but it's now legal to sell and fill 64-oz. containers of beer known as "growlers" in the Sunshine State. With his signature on a bill, Governor Rick Scott repealed the state's prohibition on the popular-sized growlers that were targeted in a PLF lawsuit, filed on behalf of The Crafted Keg, a popular craft beer establishment.

The case is The Crafted Keg v. Lawson. Read more about our growler victory.

Free wheeling

Another governor, Steve Bullock of Montana, has signed legislation to end the "Competitor's Veto" law that created a roadblock to Tracie Pabst and other entrepreneurs who want to start new taxi and limousine businesses. Pressure from a PLF lawsuit, filed on behalf of Pabst who wanted to start a new taxi business in Blue Sky, produced the latest victory in PLF's nationwide campaign against anti-competition laws that violate entrepreneurs' constitutional right to earn living.

The case is Tracie Pabst v. Fox. Read PLF's latest blog post about this important victory that PLF donors made possible.

Regulating for "phantom" jaguar

The deserts of New Mexico are not the most hospitable place for jaguars, which are found throughout the rain forests of Central and South America, but that hasn't stopped federal officials from designating The Land of Enchantment "critical habitat" for the jaguar's survival. PLF attorneys filed a complaint to challenge the government's roping off of vast areas of New Mexico for a "phantom" jaguar.

The case is New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, et al. v. Jewell.

Your support of Pacific Legal Foundation allows us to pursue our singular mission - the ardent defense of our Constitution, in any state, and in any courtroom in the nation. Regular Americans like the Loscos, Tracie Pabst and the owners of The Crafted Keg count on us to stand with them to rescue their fundamental liberties. When we stand strong together, we win impressive legal victories.

Thank you for your partnership in this important battle.

Regards, Robin L. Rivett President Pacific Legal Foundation (916) 419-7111	Pacific Legal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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