Senators from Montana and Idaho have established a Senate Small Brewers Caucus. The House Small Brewers Caucus was formed in 2007.
In a Dear Colleague letter, Senators Max Baucus (D-Mon.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) wrote, “In recent years, the more than 1,700 craft brewers all across America have met growing consumer demand for their products by brewing flavorful and innovative beers which they encourage Americans to enjoy in a responsible manner. These small and independent brewers . . . generate more than $3 billion in wages and benefits, and pay more than $2.3 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes.”
The caucus will provide opportunities for senators and staff to learn about all aspects of brewing business. Montana’s small brewers don’t just make great beer out of the best Montana grains — they also support good-paying Montana jobs,” Sen. Baucus said. Sen. Crapo pointed out that Idaho produces several of beer’s key ingredients, notably barley, wheat and hops. “While advocating for the excise tax relief bill, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of Idaho’s small craft brewers and heard firsthand from local entrepreneurs about the opportunities for economic growth and job creation that the industry can provide. This caucus will provide Senators with a better understanding of all aspects of small brewing and the positive impact it has on their communities,” he said.