Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) spoke about the benefit that passing the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act would have for Minnesota small businesses at a Ways and Means committee hearing Thursday afternoon. The legislation reduces and simplifies excise taxes on craft brewers, distillers, cider makers, and winemakers. Joining Paulsen was Clint Roberts, Chief Marketing Officer of Minnesota’s Surly Brewing, who testified that tax relief and simplification would result in increased investment and growth for craft brewers. Video is available here.

“From starting out in garages and basements, we’ve seen Minnesota breweries grow into successful small businesses that create jobs in their communities,” said Paulsen. “This has happened in spite of a tax code that hasn’t kept up with the times and continues to hamper small brewers that are trying to expand their operations. I’d like to thank Clint for speaking about how we can help make a difference for Surly and other craft brewers in Minnesota and around the country.”

The legislation is also supported by the Brewers Association.

“The Brewers Association, the national trade association for America’s small, craft brewers, really appreciates all of Congressman Paulsen’s hard work and efforts on behalf of our industry, including his testimony in the Ways and Means Committee today on the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act,” said Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewers Association. “Congressman Paulsen understands that Minnesota’s craft brewers – all 105 of them – are job-creators all across the state and helping to drive local economies.  Congressman Paulsen is a champion for small, craft brewers and small businesses generally, and he continues to work on behalf of businesses in his Congressional District to help them grow and expand.”

In addition to reducing excise taxes, the bill eliminates red tape and streamlines regulations for craft beverage makers. Minnesota is home to 105 craft breweries with an economic impact exceeding $1.3 billion annually.   

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit Paulsen.house.gov.

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