VIDEO: Baldwin, Wyden, Brewers: Pass Legislation to Boost Craft Beverage Businesses & American Economy

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D- WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) hosted a “Happy Half-Hour Hangout” on Google yesterday with craft brewers Gary Fish, owner of Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, and Jeff Hamilton, President of Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale, Wisconsin.

“Local brewers, like those who joined our Hangout, create jobs and strengthen our local economies,” said Baldwin. By supporting these small businesses with tax relief, we can help create economic growth and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward.”

“From our discussion, it’s clear our laws should be helping breweries and other craft beverage makers grow, not cut them off with redtape and taxes,” Wyden said. “I look forward to working with Sen. Baldwin and my colleagues to pass legislation to remove obstacles these businesses face.”

Both brewers focused on the urgent need to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, authored by Wyden and co-sponsored by Baldwin. This novel legislation expands small producer tax relief for beer, wine, cider and spirits, rolls back outdated regulations and streamlines alcohol administration, making it easier for craft beverage makers to grow their businesses and America's economy. Wisconsin’s nearly 100 craft breweries bring in an estimated $858.9 million to the state annually.

Watch the Hangout here.