Attention Wisconsin Brewers!!!!

[mthompson]

call him out, then.

I could not make it to the meeting....and a phone call got me no where with the TLW.

 

[mthompson]

copy/paste for Senators:

Greetings Sen. XXXX,

I would like to update you on the progress of LRB 3101 - The Ellis/Kaufert legislation on homebrewing.

After the public hearing on 1-31-2012, Chairman Cowles set an Executive Session for the week of 2-6-2012, where the bill will be voted out of committee. Suspected vote will be 5-0 in favor. After the bill leaves the Energy, Biotech, and Consumer Protection Committee it goes to the Senate Organization Committee. Senator Ellis expects there to be a vote by the full Senate on February 14th. Passage is expected. I hope that you will support this bill and vote for its passage.

Thank you for your consideration,

XXXXX,
address


copy/paste for Assembly:

Greetings Rep. XXXX,

I would like to update you on the progress of LRB 3101 - The Ellis/Kaufert legislation on homebrewing.

After the public hearing on 1-31-2012, Chairman Cowles set an Executive Session for the week of 2-6-2012, where the bill will be voted out of committee. Suspected vote will be 5-0 in favor. After the bill leaves the Energy, Biotech, and Consumer Protection Committee it goes to the Senate Organization Committee. Senator Ellis expects there to be a vote by the full Senate on February 14th. Passage is expected.

On February 15th, the bill is expected to be sent to the Assembly for consideration. I am urging you to refer S. 395 to the Assembly Rules Committee. This is important because we have a time crunch on our hands. After the Senate vote, as you know, the only floor time available in the Assembly is the week of Feb 20th (with the 20th being a holiday), the week of March 5th and the week of March 12th.

Again, I urge you to ask Rep. Suder and Rep. Fitzgerald for a floor vote ASAP.

Thank you for your consideration,

XXXXX,
address

 

[TrainSafe]

I got home tonight to discover a very nice personal message from Representative Litjens. She signed on to support the measure and was very positive about the future of this measure.

 

[motobrewer]

fyi

I called Majority Leader and Chair of the Rules Committee Scott Suder's office up today to try and set up a meeting. His staff person would have none of it and was rather standoffish. So, we are going to have to light a fire under his feet. Suder's district is #69. This map is what his district will look like after redistricting (i.e. his constituents for the next 10 years)

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/redistricting/PDFs/ad69.pdf

We need everyone in your club who lives in this district to contact Rep. Suder and tell him to not only support SB 395, but to refer it the the Rules Committee immediately. We need not only club members, but their families, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, groupies or what have you to call also. This has to happen pretty much immediately as the Senate is going to vote in 2 weeks and I want to try and get in to twist his arm in person before the Senate votes.

We need to get a lot of local pressure on him to make this happen. Ellis explained some of the internal politics going on and Suder may drag his feet for no reason other than he can. I can explain the internal politics to anyone who is ready for their eyes to glaze over. Needless to say, local pressure; constituents calling in and demanding action; is how we are going to get him to move.

Meanwhile, I am going to write a letter/op-ed to the Editor of the Marshfield News Herald citing stories run in other Gannett papers in the state to try and get some press pressure on him also. xxxxxxxxx, do you mind editing?


Beer Barons-

I am assuming you guys have a lot of members on District 39 and probably know people in District 39. It is Beaver Dam to Lomira down Hgwy 41 towards Waukesha. Here is the map. http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/redistricting/PDFs/ad39.pdf

I tried contacting Speaker Fitzgerald today also. They are at least going to call me back. We need to do the same thing with him. The more pressure we can exert on him the better. Again, the internal politics are at play here.

Everyone-

Again, every club members, family member, friend, co-worker, acquaintances, groupies, hangers on, or what have you needs to contact their member of the Assembly to get them to not only support SB 395, but to exert pressure on the Majority Leader and Speaker to send the bill directly to Rules and then to the floor for a clean vote. The should also contact Suder and Fitzgerald in their leadership capacities.

What I write for the Marshfield Paper we can send to any other paper in the state also. In fact, that is probably a good idea.

Everyone should be writing their local papers and tv stations themselves also. Everything we can do to drum up public support is only going to help.

xxxxxxxx, can you data mine AHA members who live in certain towns and cities if I give you a list? Or maybe we should have another state wide email go out and specifically say if you live in the following cities please contact Rep. Suder and Fitzgerald.......................It would be nice to target Suder and Fitzgerald.

Guys, I may be wrong about this, but I get a very strong feeling that the Assembly is not going to be the cake walk that the Senate was. Public pressure; constituent pressure in the name of the game here.

 

[tjpfeister]

Senator Hansen (District 30) also pledged his support via signed letter. Which I thought was decent of the man, considering the digital age we live in.

 

[Zamial]

Still moving forward. Letter amended in previous fashion.

The meeting went very well. The Speaker has no objections to the bill and will likely be able to get it to the floor once they receive it from the Senate. However, we are going to have to get a public hearing in it first. They had already spoken to the distributors and were told that the distributors are staying out of it. They are going to let people know if they hear of any grumbling out there.

Last week, Rep. Kaufert introduced the companion bill to S.395, AB 521, with a total of 15 sponsors in the Assembly. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/ab521

The bill was referred to the Homeland Security and State Affairs Committee. This committee is chaired by Rep. Karl Van Roy, who is a sponsor of our legislation. Rep. Van Roy has already scheduled a public hearing for this Wednesday at 10:00.

Here is the agenda. http://committeeschedule.legis.wisconsin.gov/files/HearingNotices/12-02-08-1005-2011AHOM-18514.html

Anyone who can attend this hearing on Wednesday at 10:00 please do. A big turnout will help.

Here is the committee website to see if your member is on the committee. http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/Co...and+Security+and+State+Affairs&HOUSE=Assembly

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee votes tomorrow on S.395. They will not be amending the bill to satisfy the DOR. There are two reasons. The first is that Legislative Counsel felt that their might be some conflicts with federal law if it is amended. Secondly, the Tavern League has said that they will go for basic disapproval to outright war if the bill is amended. The Senators Ellis and Cowles decided that it was best not to amend the bill and pass it as is.

What does all of this mean? It means that the Senate is still on schedule to pass the bill next week. When the Senate passes it, the Assembly can immediately take it up as there was already a public hearing on the the companion bill. Barring objection, they will try and pass it by voice vote as early as next week.

How do we make sure that there are no objections? Everyone should call their Representatives in support of SB 395 AND the companion bill AB 521. Be nice, be polite, and just express your support. No individual member needs to be concentrated on; just your own. Kaufert's office has already been getting a lot questions and support due to our efforts. Let's keep it up and hopefully it will be on the Governor's desk with the next few weeks.

We need you to contact your representative in both the Assembly and Senate in support of both S.395 and AB 521. We should mention the Committee hearing, if possible.

Again, people can find out who their legislators are at this link. http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

 

[SenorPepe]

Still moving forward. Letter amended in previous fashion.

Got a very nice typed, signed letter in support from Rep. Pocan. And bump.:rockin:

 

[Jazman]

Keep up the great work peeps!

This is now an Assembly bill as well (AB521). It has been referred to committee but that meeting actually occurred this AM!!! (as stated above) I was caught by surprise as the bill was read and referred to committee last Thursday the 2nd.

So, hopefully good things happened and it was recommended as passed by the committee and will soon be available for scheduling.

Jaz

The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
10:05 AM
415 Northwest
State Capitol

Assembly Bill 521
Relating to: homemade wine and fermented malt beverages.
By Representatives Kaufert, Kooyenga, Brooks, Pasch, Kestell, Wynn, Thiesfeldt, Pocan, Pridemore, Spanbauer, C. Taylor, Van Roy, Honadel, Bernard Schaber and Litjens; cosponsored by Senators Ellis, Lazich, Harsdorf, Wanggaard, Kedzie and Grothman.

....... (other bills as well)

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

It sounds like yesterday was a disaster! Strong opposition from various lobbying groups and even some sponsors stating they are going to take another look at the bill...

Damn it! Anyone make it to the meeting and into the hall?

 

[Jazman]

It sounds like yesterday was a disaster! Strong opposition from various lobbying groups and even some sponsors stating they are going to take another look at the bill...

Damn it! Anyone make it to the meeting and into the hall?

I didn't even know this committee meeting was happening until it was over...

 

[motobrewer]

huh? what did you hear?

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-xgr-homebrewing,0,1337339.story

 

[motobrewer]

meh, doesn't sound like much to me.

Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, who helped introduce the bill, said the legislation is common sense and not aimed at illegal business activity.

"I was a little surprised that all of a sudden all these groups were having a problem with it," he said. "The intent of this is for the little guy to share some beer among friends. I sense the big guys are trying to blow it out of proportion and create scenarios to try to get people riled up. Suddenly, it's become David vs. Goliath."

 

[Yooper]

Our homebrew club sent the same article today. My homebrew club is based in WI, as it's on the border and some of us live in MI and some live in WI- we have meetings in both MI and WI.

I don't understand why distributors think homebrewers would be a threat. It's ridiculous to draw this out, but that's what's happening. I don't vote in WI, but I encourage everyone who does to contact their legislator!

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

The opposition is asking for regulation and monitoring of homebrewers activities... that doesn't sound good to me. I hope that the legislators don't bite, but this is Wisconsin and our legislature loves the crap out of its taxes and ever increasing regulation/bureaucracy.

Plus, we need this to get to the floor quickly, not to be bogged down by revisions and arguments.

I hope I can find some more people to contact their reps, and I encourage you to do the same.

 

[motobrewer]

hopefully we'll hear from someone who was there. where's meaty when you actually need him??

i've contacted my rep - but unfortunately for me, that's Darling. Co-author of Motion 414.

 

[TyTanium]

I can just see the following compromise happening:
"Sure you can bring your brew outside the home, but you'll have to register all of your homebrew and pay excise taxes on each batch brewed. We'll create a Department of Homebrew Oversight to monitor all homebrew activities to ensure compliance"

Please, please, please Mr. Government...don't micromanage your constituents. At some point you just have to let it go and trust that the vast majority of people are NOT trying to abuse the law. FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDOM!!!!!!!!

I'm a homebrewer, and I'm for de-regulation.
EDIT: I currently live in IL, but am originally from WI and have tons of family/friends in the state, hence my concern for my home state.

 

[TyTanium]

Re: the Chicago Tribune article:

I especially love the line:
“They expressed concern with home brewers making alcohol outside the home, and said there's no way to track if a home brewer makes more than they're legally allowed.”
…yeah, cause it’s so much easier to track it as it stands now. And they're very diligently tracking now. I call BS.

Let it go dude. Homebrewers aren't out to rip off the government; they just like making good beer and sharing it with their friends.

 

[xsists]

I just like how they are concerned with homebrewers selling and paying taxes (regulation) on our product. Did they REALLY see any profit jump since 2011? Honestly, most people I have met didn't even know it was illegal to take off your premise until this came about.

 

[rifraf]

Subscribing from Illinois. You guys have my support and hopefully this works out! Illinois seems to love any opportunity to regulate, tax, and control its residents so I would hate to see a domino...

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I just emailed my rep to ask what his feeling was on the bill after yesterday's hearing. Rep. Pride more is a sponsor and is awesome about making person responses to inquiries, so hopefully he can give some insight.

I invited him over for a beer.

 

[motobrewer]

ha, the response I got was from a lackey-

"Thank you for contacting Senator Darling's state office regarding SB 395, homebrew legislation. I will be sure to pass this email along to the Senator so she is aware of your thoughts on this important issue."

nice.

 

[Zamial]

It would also exempt them from permit requirements and taxes.

Whoever thinks we need permits and taxes on something that is NOT SOLD is crazy or in the pocket of BMC. I would LOVE to have a few lists of names so when election time rolls around all the home brew clubs in the state can band together to remove the problematic people from office.

But representatives with the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association and the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute argued against the bill, saying it would work outside state regulation that controls alcohol sales. They expressed concern with home brewers making alcohol outside the home, and said there's no way to track if a home brewer makes more than they're legally allowed.

+

Institute spokesman Mike Wittenwyler said the bill's language is too relaxed, and could allow indirect compensation for brewers at tasting events and competitions through creative ticket sales.

These fine folks are going to get some letters from me, I bolded the important spot. We need to drill into the their heads "NOT FOR SALE so it does not matter". Do they REALLY think I will have a comp every day in my backyard and sell tickets? Last time I looked that is the same as selling homebrew and illegal on the federal level.

A representative with the Department of Revenue remained neutral on the bill, but listed several points the agency had interpreted with the bill. That included that the bill's language does not specify whether it would comply with local ordinance on distribution hours and who would serve the beer.

This pisses me off to no end. Distribution hours and who can serve it? Home brew does not require to be distributed or served by someone special BECAUSE IT IS NOT FOR SALE!

This sort of thing really gets my blood boiling.


This was left out of the Chicago Tribune but was in the LaCrosse Tribune: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/sta...cle_014e23fe-ba05-5633-98a3-d1bcf65e2e9a.html

Bruce Buerger with the Beer Barons of Milwaukee spoke in support of the bill, and emphasized that brewers are not interested in compensation. He said brewing is a hobby, and many brewers are just seeking feedback about their creations. He said ultimately, they just want to continue sharing their creations in the same way they've been doing for years.

"We are a responsible group of people," he said. "We don't want to break any laws."

Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, who helped introduce the bill, said the legislation is common sense and not aimed at illegal business activity.

"I was a little surprised that all of a sudden all these groups were having a problem with it," he said. "The intent of this is for the little guy to share some beer among friends. I sense the big guys are trying to blow it out of proportion and create scenarios to try to get people riled up. Suddenly, it's become David vs. Goliath."

At least we have common sense on our side, unfortunately that does not always win out in politics.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I heard back from my rep and his feeling is that everyone involved perceives the opposition as selfish and unfounded. That is a good sign at least.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Just sent an email to Rep Thiesfeldt. Gonna call him tomorrow too.

 

[SenorPepe]

Sent another email to Rep. Pocan highlighting the cynicism and wrongheadedness of the opponents' objections.

 

[JJL]

I'm guessing the reason the the opposition waited until the Assembly was because they figured it was their best shot creating opposition. There were just too many senators on board in the senate sub-committee already. I was wondering when the WBDA was going to jump on this. Their attached at the hip to the Tavern League.

 

[LieutenantDan]

I'll be meeting with my state senator & state representative in the next couple of weeks, is there anywhere to get the text of the law & the proposal to change it? I would like to be better informed when I speak with them.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

House: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/ab521
Senate: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/sb395

 

[xsists]

Guys, there is also another bill that needs support in WI as well. From NB's Facebook:

"AB290, the bill Northern Brewer helped introduce, which would allow homebrew shops to serve samples and brew on premise has passed through the Assembly and will be up for vote soon in the Senate. Again, strong support is keeping this bill alive and looking good."

I ask that any of you contacting your legislators about SB395, kindly mention AB290 as well!