Proposed Increase of Federal Excise Tax a Serious Threat to Small Brewers Part1

[RayInUT]

Does anyone think a senator from Utah would really be against putting yet another tax on beer? We pay more for beer in Utah than any other state if it is over 3.2%. We're screwed here...

 

[BA_from_GA]

damn washington. i swear they piss me off more and more every day... all of them.

 

[Dwain]

Just got this response in today. It's a long read, so I'll just paste in the jist of it. This is from John Cornyn, Texas Senator - Dwain

As you know, the Senate Finance Committee has considered an alcoholic beverage excise tax as a possible way to pay for a government takeover of our health care system. While no legislation has been introduced that would implement this tax, I remain concerned about any proposal that increases taxes on hard-working Americans. Taxpayers already work almost four months out of the year to pay for the operations of government; this is more than they work to pay for transportation, food, and clothing combined. Hardworking Texans deserve to keep more of their own money to spend, save, and invest how they see fit. Congress should instead work to keep taxes low and reduce wasteful spending. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will oppose any efforts to raise taxes on alcoholic beverages. I firmly believe Congress should not rely on tax increases to fund government initiatives.

 

[ramz7887]

. The counter argument being that craft brewerys don't contribute to binge drinking, and that a one-size-fits-all tax is unfair. Keep fighting the good fight people!

Thats a good point.

 

[ramz7887]

we should all gather in DC and pour Keg after Keg of Busch beer in the Potomic river if they are truly supporting this....

why do that keep making your own beer and save money/taxes. :rockin:
When you do buy get craft beer and boycott the big three. Its sad though that this will just hurt developing craftbrewries and new business. I'm really surprised though that people don't at least try and make their own beer since it isn't that difficult. I'm always amazed when I tell people I make my own beer/wine and they look at me like I just turned lead into gold I wonder what the numbers are on how many people break into home brewing each year.

 

[schweaty]

I may have been a day late and a dollar short but I just e-mailed my senator. They may take our lives but they will never take.... OUR BEER!!!!

 

[murphyslaw]

I wish I had a senator to email. Almost had a congressman but that bill died a few weeks ago. So much for "No taxation without representation"

 

[murphyslaw]

Just got this response in today. It's a long read, so I'll just paste in the jist of it. This is from John Cornyn, Texas Senator - Dwain

haha, it looks like the first sentence was tailored to your email, and the rest of the paragraph is a typical response to all tax inquiries.

 

[Dwain]

Really, the next to the last sentenced is the only one I care about. But yeah, it does read alot like a form letter - Dwain

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will oppose any efforts to raise taxes on alcoholic beverages

 

[BobOscarBob]

I guess he's been busy - but got this from Joe Wilson (R, SC):

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the House Small Brewers Caucus. I appreciate your taking the time to write.

I understand your concerns and welcome your interest in this matter. I am pleased to report that I have joined the House Small Brewers Caucus and look forward to working with other Members of Congress in conjunction with the craft brewing community to bring awareness to the opportunities and activities associated with small breweries. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind in the 111th Congress.

 

[Synovia]

Thats a good point.

If you really think no binge drinking occurs with craft brew, I've got a bridge to sell you.

I drank a 6 pack of harpoon IPA during my last brew. Plenty of craft breweries offer reasonably priced summer and lighter styles. Goose Island's kolsch is really cheap around here.