Proposals to increase Oregon’s beer tax are ranging from 2 cents per drink to 10 cents per drink. While a 2-cent per drink tax increase may sound small, a 2-cent per drink increase in the beer tax represents an increase of 254 percent.

ONSA and other opponents of these tax proposals are actively working to demonstrate that beer tax increases would place a substantial and unjust burden on consumers, retailers, and distributors while generating minimal revenue for the state.

Increasing the beer tax would also hamper Oregon’s emerging micro-brew industry, which has flourished in recent years. Other beer-producing states do not impose excessive tax rates on their state breweries, recognizing that these industries provide employment and pay corporate taxes.

We need your Grassroots Support now!

Yet legislators are in a situation where they must either cut spending or increase taxes. Many lawmakers believe that so-called “sin-taxes” are the most politically expedient solution to the problem. If you oppose beer, tax increases, contact your legislator IMMEDIATELY and let him or her know that you are against higher beer taxes —of any size! (See talking points for the 2¢ per drink beer tax)

Call toll-free: 800–332-2313 or: www.legis.state.or.us

Legislators need to know that beer taxes, as well as wine or cigarette tax increases…
(1) will not solve the state’s budget problems,
(2) will unfairly target certain citizens, and
(3) will harm all retailers in the state.