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Government Affairs

The Brewers Association strives to keep breweries informed about the government agencies, policies and current issues affecting the craft beer industry. Learn more about how you can get involved and stay abreast of the ways local, state and federal governments can impact your brewery.

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Displaying results 1-10 of 18

States Brace for Federal Cuts … What Members Need to Know state building interior

States Brace for Federal Cuts … What Members Need to Know

A common target when states aim to refill depleted coffers are so-called "sin taxes"—taxes on things like alcohol beverages.Read More

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State Government Affairs Director

Sam DeWitt works state government affairs for the Brewers Association, and has lobbied craft beer bills from the east coast to Hawaii, on a wide range of topics from franchise reform and excise tax to self-distribution and direct-to-consumer shipping of beer. He has a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Montana and fell in love with craft brewing as an undergraduate in Missoula.

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Brewers Bring Priorities, Concerns, and Beer to Capitol Hill ba 2025 hill climb attendees standing in group on capitol steps

Brewers Bring Priorities, Concerns, and Beer to Capitol Hill

Brewery representatives, guild leaders, and supplier partners came to Washington D.C. to advocate for small and independent breweries.Read More

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Special Projects Coordinator

Marc Preo serves as the special projects coordinator on the Government Affairs team tracking federal regulatory affairs and state bill and rulemaking activity. A longtime homebrewing hobbyist and craft beer enthusiast, Marc enjoys spending as much time as he can in the mountains snowboarding, Nordic touring, and mountain biking.

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Debunking Franchise Law Myths pallets of beer cans

Debunking Franchise Law Myths

Franchise laws impact thousands of small and independent brewers nationwide, yet misconceptions persist. In this article we highlight five of the biggest myths about the brewer-distributor relationship.Read More

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Equity & Inclusion Partner

Dr. J Jackson-Beckham is an author, speaker, and vocal advocate for the craft beverage community. After being named the Brewers Association’s first Equity & Inclusion Partner in 2018, she went on to lead both its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion department, and its Member Resources team until 2025. Today, she continues to support the industry as an independent thought leader and changemaker.

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5 Ways to Get Involved in State Government Affairs craft beer advocates posing on state capitol steps

5 Ways to Get Involved in State Government Affairs

Whether you are new to government affairs or a seasoned advocate, these five strategies for getting involved in state-level government affairs can help you get started on advocating for policy change.Read More

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State Government Affairs Director

Sam DeWitt works state government affairs for the Brewers Association, and has lobbied craft beer bills from the east coast to Hawaii, on a wide range of topics from franchise reform and excise tax to self-distribution and direct-to-consumer shipping of beer. He has a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Montana and fell in love with craft brewing as an undergraduate in Missoula.

See Sam DeWitt's Articles

mobile playlist icon CBC 2024 Government Affairs & Legal Seminars Brewers Association members at podium in front of the Capitol

CBC 2024 Government Affairs & Legal Seminars

Explore topics including the impact of federal and state legislation, non-beer beverage advertising compliance, innovative brewery startup strategies and legal considerations, and the potential future of beer shipping laws.Read More

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Education Program Manager

MacKenzie Staples is the education program manager for the Brewers Association. In addition to managing the resources and articles on BrewersAssociation.org, she organizes the seminars for the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC), curates the webinars in the BA Collab Hour series, and serves as the staff liaison for the CBC Seminar Subcommittee. She is originally from Texas where she fell in love with craft beer, and is proud to say that she has visited over 800 U.S. small and independent craft breweries.

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House and Senate Introduce Research and Development Legislation to Spur Innovation man contemplating beer in brewery x

House and Senate Introduce Research and Development Legislation to Spur Innovation

The Brewers Association supports legislation that will give breweries the ability to deduct their R&D activity related expenditures in the tax year they are incurred.Read More

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Director of Trade, Tax and Federal Government Relations at Diageo

Katie Marisic dedicated a decade of service to the Brewers Association, most recently as Senior Director of Federal Affairs, during which time she was recognized multiple years as one of Washington’s top lobbyists. Based in D.C., she planned and executed legislative, regulatory, and political strategies to expand the association’s federal affairs presence on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining the BA, Katie was Vice President of Political Affairs at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, and she got her start in politics working on congressional campaigns during the 2006 and 2008 elections. A Pennsylvania native and longtime craft brewing supporter, Katie helped open Atlas Brew Works in Washington, D.C., in 2013. When she’s not championing the craft brewing community, you can sometimes find her pouring beers at a local tasting room.

See Katie Marisic's Articles

mobile playlist icon Federal Affairs Playlist: Pandemic Relief Programs federal affairs playlist relief programs hero 1

Federal Affairs Playlist: Pandemic Relief Programs

Review these key resources to ensure you are up-to-date on federal programs currently available to help your brewery.Read More

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Vice President of Membership

Sarah Billiu is the Vice President of Membership at the Brewers Association. She joined the Brewers Association team after obtaining a Master of Science in Information. A Certified Cicerone and University of Michigan Alum, Sarah enjoys great beer and pretending to care about Michigan football. During football season, you will likely find her paddle boarding, dog walking, or enjoying a local brew (if there is no football involved, of course).

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A Breakdown of the 2020 Year-End COVID-19 Legislative Package for Craft Breweries A Break Down of the 2020 Year End COVID 19 Legislative Package for Craft Breweries Featured

A Breakdown of the 2020 Year-End COVID-19 Legislative Package for Craft Breweries

This information summarizes the different portions of the COVID-19 relief bill that will most impact small and independent breweries.Read More

Link to author biography
Director of Trade, Tax and Federal Government Relations at Diageo

Katie Marisic dedicated a decade of service to the Brewers Association, most recently as Senior Director of Federal Affairs, during which time she was recognized multiple years as one of Washington’s top lobbyists. Based in D.C., she planned and executed legislative, regulatory, and political strategies to expand the association’s federal affairs presence on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining the BA, Katie was Vice President of Political Affairs at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, and she got her start in politics working on congressional campaigns during the 2006 and 2008 elections. A Pennsylvania native and longtime craft brewing supporter, Katie helped open Atlas Brew Works in Washington, D.C., in 2013. When she’s not championing the craft brewing community, you can sometimes find her pouring beers at a local tasting room.

See Katie Marisic's Articles
Displaying results 1-10 of 18