Contact: Aaron White
Phone: 202-225-5506
[email protected]
Wisconsin is home to over 160 craft breweries
La Crosse, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind introduced the bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which will grow America’s craft breweries by reducing the tax burden and restrictive regulations for brewers, cider-makers, distillers, and vintners. The bill was introduced with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).
“Here in Wisconsin, our craft brewers produce over one million barrels of beer a year. Not only are our breweries a source of pride and a large part of our state’s culture, but they also support our local economies and create jobs,” saidRep. Ron Kind. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill, which will help grow our craft breweries, open new markets, and create good-paying, meaningful jobs here in Wisconsin.”
In Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, the beer industry alone contributes over $1 billion to the state economy, and provides over 8,000 jobs. It is estimated that the total economic impact of craft breweries in Wisconsin tops $2 billion annually.
“The craft beer industry is a fixture of the Wisconsin way of life, but the regulations and taxes on our breweries can hurt the success of our businesses. We here at Central Waters are happy to see this important bill is being introduced again, as the money saved from the 2017 bill gave us the opportunity to create a new job within the company. We thank Ron Kind for his work in supporting local breweries, and look forward to this bill helping our industry for years to come,” saidAnello Mollica, co-owner of Central Waters Brewing Company in Amherst, WI.
The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act reduces excise taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for the 5,300 breweries, 8,000 wineries, and 800 distilleries across the country. Lower rates for brewers and craft beverage manufacturers were initially passed on a temporary basis. If the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act is not passed, taxes will return to those higher levels, decreasing their competitiveness and raising costs for consumers.
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). This legislation is comprehensive and supported by the entire craft beverage industry.
Read more here.
