WineAmerica Set Sights on Permanence
Washington, D.C. • February 13, 2019 – The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today with strong support from a broad group of industry trade associations including the beer, wine, spirits, and cider sectors.
The legislation, which was first introduced in 2015 to recalibrate federal excise taxes and streamline regulations on beverage alcohol producers, was reintroduced in 2017 by Representatives Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI), garnering strong support from the majority of Congress as well as industry groups. Legislation that included a two-year provision of CBMTRA passed in December 2017 as part of the broader Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Representatives Kind and Mike Kelly (R-PA) are the lead co-sponsors of the bill upon its reintroduction today. They were joined by: Darin LaHood (R-IL), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Earl Blumenaeur (D-OR), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).
Leaders from the Brewers Association (BA), Beer Institute, WineAmerica, Wine Institute, Distilled Spirits Council, American Craft Spirits Association, and U.S. Association of Cider Makers agree that the legislation creates a more fair and equitable tax structure for beverage alcohol producers and their consumers. The legislation empowers these key economic players to continue to invest in their businesses and boost jobs across the country.
“The American wine industry generates more than $220 billion annually for the American economy through investments, jobs, tourism, and taxes,” said Jim Trezise, president of WineAmerica. “The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act enhanced our industry’s ability to contribute even more by channeling tax savings into purchases of new equipment, additional employees, increased wages, expanded distribution, and facility enlargements. The wine business is highly competitive, capital intensive, and labor intensive, so having extra funds available provides a real boost to our industry’s growth. We are deeply grateful for the original legislation, and respectfully urge that it be made permanent.”
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Contact:
Michael Kaiser: mkaiser@nullwineamerica.org
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About WineAmerica
The mission of WineAmerica is to encourage the dynamic growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing through the advancement and advocacy of sound public policy.
WineAmerica was founded in 1978 as the Association of American Vintners, a trade association of wineries with membership based in the eastern U.S. By 1991, the association had expanded and merged with the National Vintners Association forming the American Vintners Association. The association was renamed WineAmerica in 2003 to reflect its national role.
WineAmerica serves the interests of wineries in all 50 states by leveraging its formidable grassroots advocacy strength to benefit the entire industry.
