Supporters of an increase in Wisconsin’s beer tax plan to be out in force today for a rally and a legislative hearing on the issues. State Representative Terese Berceau is the author of the beer tax bill.
AUDIO: Rep. Terese Berceau (:13 MP3)
A coalition organized by UW Health is lobbying for the tax increase. Berceau says revenue from an increase in the beer tax would be used for treatment of alcohol abuse and the cost of tougher drunk driving laws.
The Tavern League of Wiscosnin is against the tax increase. Lobbyist Scott Stenger doubts it’ll pass.
AUDIO: Scott Stenger (:11 MP3)
Wisconsin’s beer tax hasn’t been raised for 40 years. While Governor Doyle apparently is open-minded about an increase in the LIQUOR tax to help pay for the cost of tougher drunk driving laws, he has spoken out in the past against an increase in the BEER tax.
WIBA’s John Colbert submitted this report