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Right now, there are efforts in the State Capitol to increase excise taxes on liquor. Supporters of this tax increase justify it by saying they plan to spend the new tax revenue on stronger penalties and enforcement against drunk drivers.
WRA has carefully monitored dozens of bills already introduced in the state legislature this session that deal with alcohol service and drunk driving. So far, the result in the Assembly has been very favorable. The Assembly passed AB-283, which increased penalties on repeat offenders, and did not include any tax increases. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously.
After the state Senate received bill AB-283 from the Assembly, they added numerous provisions that increased the cost of the bill, then attached an increase in the liquor tax of 50 cents per liter to pay for enforcement. This increase would take the state tax on spirits up to $1.36 per liter. Currently, Wisconsin’s liquor tax rate is 21st among the 50 states. Under this proposal, Wisconsin’s liquor tax would jump into the top ten, and a competitive advantage we currently have with Illinois and Minnesota on liquor tax rate would be eliminated.
The bill working its way through the Senate is known as SB-66. We strongly urge you to contact your state senator and ask him or her to VOTE NO ON SB-66, As long as it contains any tax increases.
Wisconsin’s hospitality businesses are already struggling with a severe recession, in which consumers are cutting back their discretionary spending. There have been many closings, and over 4200 jobs have been lost. While no time is a good time for a 58% tax increase, this is a terrible time!
CLICK HERE to send an email to the lawmakers who represent you, asking them to vote against the tax increase in SB 66, or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 to leave a message for your representatives in the Capitol.
Thank you in advance for taking action to protect your industry!
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ALERT! 
