WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Beer Institute announced United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) as one of its “2021 Beer Champions” for his instrumental leadership in supporting federal policies that aid the success of U.S. brewers and beer importers. The Beer Institute recognized Wyden for his leadership in the Senate that was critical in providing long-term tax relief for brewers and beer importers through permanency of the tax provisions in the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which he sponsored with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO).
“More than two million Americans owe their livelihood to a vibrant American beer industry, and that would not be possible without the leadership of our Beer Champions in Congress like Senator Wyden, who is a great advocate for beer and the hospitality industry,” said Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. “From farmers to truck drivers and brewers to bartenders – the production, distribution and sale of beer create good-paying jobs in every corner of our nation—employing our neighbors, friends and family. While the beer industry has undergone significant hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are grateful to our friends in Congress who have ensured our industry can continue producing and serving America’s favorite alcohol beverage. We are thankful for Senator Wyden’s support and look forward to working with him for years to come.”
“Oregon’s brewers, vintners and distillers deserve the opportunity to flourish, but for too long Prohibition-era rules and taxes still stood in the way,” Wyden said. “Thankfully, this past winter, tax incentives I developed for craft beverage businesses were made permanent. I’m honored to receive the 2021 Beer Champion Award and will continue to support these local businesses that create jobs and boost the economies of communities across Oregon and nationwide.”
Senator Wyden was a lead sponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act to provide permanent excise tax relief to America’s brewers and beer importers. Congress included this legislation in 2020 year-end funding, ensuring brewers have the resources to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create America’s favorite beers.
In Oregon, the beer industry supports more than 40,000 jobs and provides more than $6.6 billion annually in economic output.
The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industry’s impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com.
Other 2021 Beer Champions include:
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
- Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
- Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
- Senator Kevin Cramer (R- ND)
- Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
- Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX)
- Representative Andy Harris (R-MD)
- Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)
- Representative Ron Kind (D-WI)
- Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL)
- Representative Richard Neal (D-MA)
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The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility: www.BeerInstitute.org. Connect with us @BeerInstitute and on Facebook.
