Not much has changed in nearly two centuries. The words ‘In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes’ penned by Benjamin Franklin ring as true today as they did in 1789.
Back in December 2017 the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was passed that included a provision to temporarily reduce the Federal Excise Tax – FET paid by distilled spirits makers for the first time since the Civil War. That reduction has had a tremendous impact on craft spirits makers in all 50 U.S. states. That reduction in taxes has meant distillers could hire more employees, build out their facilities, increase wages or provide healthcare to their employees for the first time ever. The trouble is that temporary reduction is coming to an abrupt close on December 31, 2019 and all those gains made in the last two years could disappear.
This Day of Action is in coordination with our Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act Coalition partners including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the American Craft Spirits Association, Brewers Association, Beer Institute, Wine Institute, WineAmerica, and the United States Association of Cider Makers. The goal is to come together with industry partners and get Congress’ attention to ensure they know the urgency of this issue.
What Can I do?
Today is national call in day. Even if you have already called in or communicated with your legislature you should do it again to show continued support for the cause.
Craft distillers and suppliers need to advocate for making the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act – CBMTRA permanent. The goal is to flood the phone lines in Congress with calls from spirits, beer, wine and cider makers, suppliers and their fans.
Call your Senators and Members of Congress to urge them to co-sponsor and pass S.362 and H.R.1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. If they have already sponsored one of these bills simply call to thank them to let me know you appreciate their support.
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Who Has Already Supported the Bill?
Below is a link to the bills co-sponsors, phone number and email addresses to contact your legislatures.
H.R.1175 – Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019 — See Co-Sponsors
Call: 202-225-3121 | Email addresses here.
S.362 – Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019 — See Co-Sponsors
Call 202-224-3121 | Email addresses here.
Talking Points from Craft Spirits Distillers
If you are not sure what to say, listen to some of these craft spirits distillers in the videos below to hear the impact that this tax reduction has had on their business and what it could mean if this is not renewed. These are America’s small businesses providing local jobs in your local community.
Cheers!
Ted Huber, Huber’s Starlight Distillery. See all Indiana Distilleries.
Amir Peay, James E. Pepper Distillery. See all Kentucky Distilleries.
Herman Mihalich, Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey. View all Pennsylvania Distilleries.
Evan Hughes, Central Standard Craft Distillery. See all Wisconsin Distilleries.
Guy Rehorst, Great Lakes Distillery. See all Wisconsin Distilleries.
RIley Henderson, FEW Spirits, See all Illinois Distilleries.
Bob Jordan, Sugar Tit Moonshine Distillery. See all South Carolina Distilleries.
Andy Nelson, Nelson Green Brier Distillery. See all Tennessee Distilleries.
Greg Lehman, Watershed Distillery. See all Ohio Distilleries.
Philip McDaniel, St. Augustine Distillery. See all Florida Distilleries.
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