Victory Brewing Company’s Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet recently hosted two Congressmen at their new 160,000 square foot Parkesburg, Pa facility—small brewery champion Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA 6th District) and the newest member of the House Small Brewers Caucus, Representative Pat Meehan (R-PA 7th District).
As supporters of craft breweries in Pennsylvania and across the country, the Congressmen welcomed the opportunity to discuss Victory’s expansion and how the government can assist small-but-growing brewing companies. Rep. Gerlach, a lead co-sponsor for the small brewer excise tax legislation (Small BREW Act) recognizes a major concern for breweries is funding. If enacted, the Small BREW Act would reduce the small brewer federal excise tax rate on the first 60,000 barrels by 50 percent (from $7.00 to $3.50/barrel) and institute a new rate of $16.00 per barrel on beer production above 60,000 barrels up to 2 million barrels. Breweries with an annual production of 6 million barrels or less would qualify for these tax rates.
Discussing the benefits of the legislation, the group agreed that excise tax savings would provide American breweries with the working capital needed to create new jobs, train staff and expand operations, growing the overall industry.
For more information on how to connect with members of Congress, visit the Government Affairs section of BrewersAssociation.org.
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