Outrage brewing over proposed 1,900% beer tax hike

KGW.com ^ | 2/13/09 | Eric Adams

[advance_copy]

This is what you get when you elect tax-and-spend Democrats, who often start out as barrow-and-spend Democrats that ultimately make the tax part even worse.

[GOPJ]

Put the tax on liberal’s white wine instead...

[samtheman]

Really. I live in NJ and I am constantly amazed by my fellow citizens’ constant amazement at the high taxes the democrats THEY elected into office keep shoving down our throats.

I mean, what is the definition of stupidity, really?

[DemforBush]

Sounds like a good time to start brewing your own in Oregon.

Mmm...*homebrew*....

[Uncle Miltie]

I live on the border with Cali. I’ll drive 15 minutes to buy beer.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

Put a 1900 % tax increase on Congressmen. They cost the taxpayers much more than anything...

[Scutter]

This is just stupid. If they want to tax alcohol, tax it at the retail level so that it applies equally to all brewers. By taxing Oregon brewers, all they are going to do is put these local businesses at a competitive disadvantage. The brewers will lose business, and probably either relocate or go under.

[EggsAckley]

Somehow I'm suspecting that this kind of tax raise must be unconstitutional.

Reminiscent of a form of usury.

[Izzy Dunne]

The tax would raise revenue for the state at a time when budgets are running in the red. Specifically, the bill says it would fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs

OK, to make sense of this, you have to believe that the budget is in the red BECAUSE they are now spending so much on "prevention, treatment and recovery programs".

If the money goes for those things (believe that at your own peril), then it won't help the general situation.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Sounds like a good time to start brewing your own in Oregon."

I do it already. You have an initial expense to get the equipment, especially if you are going to lager beer as you really need the cooler temperatures to lager. Brew ales and it's not bad. No 1900% tax either...

[Between the Lines]

It also defends the tax by claiming alcoholism and “untreated substance abuse” costs the state $4.15 billion in “lost earnings” as well as more than $8 million for health care and nearly $1 billion in law enforcement-related expenditures.

Then would it not make more sense to raise consumption taxes instead of the brewing tax? Their actions belie their reasoning.

[hoosierham]

DEmocrats just don’t get the story of the Golden Goose.

[Holicheese]

“Laurelwood Public House & Brewing Co. owner Mike De Kalb said the tax may sound like a good idea in this economic climate, but that in reality it would cost more Oregonians their jobs”

How many of these guys are happy to vote for higher taxes on every other company? Reality is a cold mistress!

[Grampa Dave]

I have printed this out for my younger son, who is a recovering Portland Liberal after living there for close to two decades.

This is a great opportunity for Micro brewers out of Oregon.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Sounds typical for Oregon. The Brewers will try to pass that on to the consumers. If the consumers balk and the Brewers can’t make it, they will fold or relocate out of State. I am really beginning to think that the majority of elected legislators are idiots.

[samtheman]

Really. The dim bulb you just quoted is for higher taxes in general, just not higher taxes on himself.

If only we had an honest media wherein statements like this would get honestly reported.

[skimbell]

Tax revolt isn't a bad idea either. Just say phak-it! and stop paying taxes.

If they get around to tracking you down, just give them the dem line...

I forgot!

[ltc8k6]

“It also defends the tax by claiming alcoholism and “untreated substance abuse” costs the state $4.15 billion in “lost earnings” as well as more than $8 million for health care and nearly $1 billion in law enforcement-related expenditures.”

First, they came for the smokers...and I didn’t say anything...

[Drew68]

It also defends the tax by claiming alcoholism and “untreated substance abuse” costs the state $4.15 billion in “lost earnings” as well as more than $8 million for health care and nearly $1 billion in law enforcement-related expenditures.

Pulling numbers out of my ass is so much fun!