HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett said Tuesday a proposed block grant program that would funnel a projected $1 billion to state schools over four years would disappear if lawmakers don’t approve his liquor privatization initiative.

Corbett singled out his proposed Passport for Learning initiative as he lobbied for his $28.4 billion state budget plan at a Capitol news conference and a separate economic summit sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association.

“This will lead to better and safer schools without raising taxes,” Corbett said at the news conference, where he was flanked by about 50 legislators, local school officials and business lobbyists.

The program hinges on the fate of Corbett’s ambitious plan to end the state monopoly on the sale of liquor and wine by replacing the 600 state stores with twice as many private outlets and allowing beer and wine to be sold at a wide range of stores.

While Corbett’s proposal would not raise taxes, he said he expects the sale of licenses to sell alcoholic beverages to generate $1 billion to finance the school program.

“There’s no grant (program) if it doesn’t pass,” the governor said.

Corbett pointed out that his state budget plan for the fiscal year starting July 1 calls for a $90 million increase — less than 2 percent — for public schools’ instruction and operations.