Small breweries getting big help

Senators spoke on Google with small brewers about recent legislation

They’ve introduced two bills now to promote small brewers.

Back in June, legislation was introduced by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, and co-sponsored by Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, called the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.

The act would cut taxes and modernize outdated regulations for craft brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.

Earlier this week, Baldwin said those small breweries have told her they’re saving money now that will allow them to upgrade equipment and hire more employees, because of the act.

Back in January, the two also helped put forth the “Small BREW Act” to help out even more. It would reduce the excise tax on each barrel of beer produced by small brewers.

Monday Wyden and Baldwin (D-Wis.) hosted a “Happy Hour Hangout,” to talk about the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act with Gary Fish, owner of Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Ore., and Jeff Hamilton, President of Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale, Wis.

Here’s that conversation:

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