Standing room only at beer tax hearing

[undeterred]

MADISON (WKOW) -- It's a contentious debate for those on both sides of the aisle at a public hearing for a proposed bill that would raise the state beer tax. Legislators, supporters and opponents of Assembly Bill 287 filled the public hearing room - even overflowing into the hallway.

The bill would raise Wisconsin's beer tax 2.4 cents a bottle, with the money raised directed to pay for costs associated with alcohol abuse. More than 200 people registered at the hearing. The bill's sponsors estimate they would get 50-million dollars a year from the tax. The tax of 10-dollars a barrel.. would support grants for alcohol treatment centers and programs.. as well as pay for more law enforcement to enforce drunk driving laws.

Sponsor Terese Berceau, D- Madison, says, "We can't just wish these problems away, we can't just say talk about it, it needs some resources."

Numerous small breweries showed up to speak against the bill. Dylan Buttera drove almost two hours from central Wisconsin to show his opposition. His parents run a small brewery in Plover, Wisconsin, called O'So. Buttera says this tax would especially hurt the small breweries.

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11306649

I'll drink to a beer tax.

:beer: