Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter, lest we forget
With the recent death of Michael Jackson the pop star, I’ve had a number of requests regarding remembering the Beer World’s Michael Jackson who passed away in August 2007. Here is the commentary I wrote in October 2007 as a tribute to Michael Jackson, lest we forget.

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Date: June 8, 2009

Subject: Proposed Increase of Federal Excise Tax a Serious Threat to Small Brewers and Your Beer Choice – Contact Your Senators Now

Dear Beer Enthusiast,

Small brewers are facing an imminent and extremely serious threat to their businesses. The consequences of remaining silent have the very real potential of reducing your choice of beer and dramatically increasing the price of any beer that you purchase.

The Senate Finance Committee in Washington, DC is currently considering a proposal to increase and equalize the excise tax for alcohol beverages as part of healthcare reform deliberations. This proposal would triple the excise tax for 4.5% ABV beer and impose even higher excise tax rates for higher ABV beers.

If such a proposal becomes reality, there is no question that many small brewery businesses will suffer, some will close and consumers will face higher prices and diminished choice in the marketplace.

The Brewers Association brewery members and leadership have been actively engaged in building the case against an excise tax increase, recently submitting a letter to the Committee outlining our opposition.

We need you to speak out now. Today or tomorrow at the latest.

If you live in the following states it is most urgent that you contact your Senator who is on the Senate Finance Committee:
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

If your Senators are not members of that committee, ask them to contact their Finance Committee colleagues and express their opposition to this proposal moving forward.