Comments on: SPECIAL REPORT: Other states take run at beer taxes (but come up short)

By: The Center for Michigan » Our present to you: Special reports you may have missed

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:23:17 +0000

[...] Other States Take Run at Beer Tax (But Come Up Short) by Melissa Preddy 12/3/09 [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:01:33 +0000

Raising the beer tax is the right thing to do. It is not the answer to Michigan’s financial problems but it would 1) raise revenue that could be spent to treat and prevent alcohol problems; which would reduce health care and other costs. And 2) even if the revenue raised was not spent on prevention and treatment, it would still reduce alcohol problems and the costs associated with it.

By: Joe Sixpack

Joe Sixpack — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:21:09 +0000

Legislators need to thank Lashbrook for all the great parties and contributions and then go about putting the state’ set interests ahead of this very special interest, which has schmoozed and intimidated it’s way to tax untouchabilty for 40 years.

Raise taxes on beer, along with teas, soft drinks, bottled water and other beverages. Do it as part of a major rework of the tax system that reduces business taxes to make our state more marketable to businesses looking for a place to create jobs.

There are higher interests than precious booze. As our state collapses around us it is time to end the sacred cows and favorable treatment that have contributed to the situation we find ourselves in.

Legislators, show some genuine political courage and cooperation for once.

By: BeerBarn

BeerBarn — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:48 +0000

I hope they don’t raise taxes on beer, it would be like the taxes on cigarettes. These taxes are excessive and they are profiting from people who are addicted to these products.

By: Joe O'C

Joe O'C — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:50 +0000

Is the issue really beer?

How about the thought of raising any taxes at this time?? Maybe that is the issue.

Whether its Beer, pretzels, or chain saws, any new tax is not going to be accepted by the people of this state.

Until state government, schools, and labor unions get real, and face the world like the rest of us have to, there shall be no additional taxes. period.

No one wants to see an important program cut over a couple glasses of beer, but that is not the issue. Fix the programs first….then we will talk about how to pay for them.

By: Geoff Perkins

Geoff Perkins — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:36:14 +0000

Your comparison to 1966 leaves out some vital facts:

1. Compare the price of a six pack of beer now to 1966
2. Compare the % of sales tax now to 1966
3. Calculate the increase in tax revenue raised on those figures

The state is getting vastly more money in taxes now on beer than it got in 1966, so it is disingenuous to say it hasn’t kept pace with inflation and needs to be taxed more.

The people in Lansing need to solve the state’s problems with the money they HAVE — not heap more taxes on the consumer and a food and beverage industry that is reeling from this horrible recession.