Statement By The End The Beer Tax Now Coalition Regarding Proposals To Extend The Temporary Beer Tax

SEATTLE, March 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The End the Beer Tax Coalition today issued the following statement in response to Governor Inslee's proposal to extend the nearly 200% temporary tax on beer:

"A balanced approach that addresses wasteful spending in the budget and doesn't single out one industry is the best solution for dealing with our state's financial issues.  When the nearly 200% tax increase was enacted in 2010, lawmakers gave us their word that it would be temporary and they shouldn't go back on their promises to Washingtonians.

Additionally, extending Washington's unfair tax rate of $23.58 per barrel puts us at a competitive disadvantage with surrounding states.  By contrast, Oregon's per barrel tax rate is $2.60 (905% lower) and Idaho's is $4.65 (506% lower).  These states' favorable public policies that keep beer taxes low create a robust brewing environment and support the development and investment in the industry that leads to job growth.

We urge the Governor to explore fair and unprejudiced solutions that allow Washington's strong brewing industry to continue to grow, compete and create jobs."

SOURCE End the Beer Tax Coalition