Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow Named 2020 Beer Champion

The Democratic Senator has been a huge supporter for keep the beer taps flowing in the COVID-19 pandemic

WASHINGTON, Today, the Beer Institute announced United States Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) as one of its “2020 Beer Champions” for her instrumental leadership in supporting federal policies that aid the success of U.S. brewers and beer importers. She was recognized for her support of COVID-19 relief for the beer industry and cosponsoring the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which, if enacted, will provide tax relief to brewers and beer importers of all sizes. The Beer Institute recognized Sen. Stabenow alongside Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY)

“Millions of Americans owe their livelihood to our nation’s beer industry, and I want to thank Senator Stabenow for her leadership in supporting legislation that aids U.S. brewers and beer importers,” said Jim McGreevy, President and CEO of the Beer Institute. 

The beer industry operates in every corner of the nation—employing our neighbors, friends and family. At a time when our economy is undergoing financial hardship due to COVID-19, the beer industry is grateful for its friends in the Congress who champion efforts to provide our nation’s brewers and importers with certainty and stability.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Stabenow to secure permanent excise tax relief provide transparency in aluminum benchmarking and deliver relief to brewers and beer importers that were not able to sell beer in bars and restaurants because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has been exciting to watch the growth and success of Michigan’s craft brew industry. From hops to microbreweries, local brew pubs and award-winning beers, Michigan has been leading the way. I have been a champion for this industry both in its early years and through this pandemic because I stand behind the small business owners and workers who have set the standard as entrepreneurs and who have been major catalysts in revitalizing and invigorating local communities throughout our state. Thank you to the Institute for this special recognition,” said Senator Stabenow.

Sen. Stabenow is an original cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S. 362) to provide permanent excise tax relief to America’s brewers and beer importers, ensuring they 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 Michigan, the beer industry supports more than 62,000 jobs and provides more than $8.8 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 industries.

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