Peters Joins Senate Small Brewers Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, announced today that he has joined the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus to promote the growth of small craft breweries, a growing industry in Michigan that has a significant impact on the state’s economy.

“Michigan is home to some of the finest craft beverages in the country, and the craft brewing industry continues to grow across our state, creating jobs and boosting our economy,” said Senator Peters. “I am proud to join the bipartisan Senate Small Brewers Caucus to continue supporting small brewers and helping them start and grow their businesses in Michigan’s communities.”

Michigan has the sixth-highest number of craft breweries in the country, with over 150 craft breweries in the state. Michigan’s craft beer industry supports over 7,000 jobs, more than $232 million in wages and had a total economic impact of over $608 million in 2014.

Michigan is also home to nearly 40 craft distilleries, the third-highest number of craft distilleries in the country, including many that have opened in recent years. Estimates show that the growing spirits industry could add up to $400 million to Michigan’s economy. Across the country, the distilled spirits industry directly employs over 800,000 Americans directly and supports over 1.2 million jobs.

As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Senator Peters has been a strong voice for Michigan small businesses. Earlier this year, Peters joined U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the bipartisan Distillery Excise Tax Reform Act, legislation that reduces the federal excise tax rate on distilled spirits from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons produced per year. Peters also cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2015, which includes language from Peters’ legislation reducing the excise tax on small distillers. In addition to supporting small distilleries, this bill would also reduce excise taxes for small breweries and wineries, cut burdensome paperwork, and eliminate red tape for distillers, brewers, and vintners.

###