Eugene (KMTR) - Oregon’s senior senator is toasting a tax idea that could mean more jobs in Oregon.
“The fact of the matter is, Oregon makes beer, and beer makes good-paying jobs for our people," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon).
Sen. Wyden held a press conference at Ninkasi Brewing Company Monday morning to discuss a potential federal tax reduction for small breweries like Ninkasi. The senator was joined by owners of Oregon breweries and other companies involved in the beer-making process.
Wyden said lowering the tax for craft brewers could stimulate Oregon’s economy.
"If you lower the tax on craft brew made in breweries operated by the owners here with me today, we will be in a position to create more good-paying jobs in our state," said Wyden.
Craft brewing is already a $2 billion business in Oregon, which employes Nearly 5,000 people. That does not include all the businesses and people who provide goods, services, hops, refrigerators, and all the other parts necessary to the brewing process.
Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) recently introduced the Senate bill that would reduce taxes for small breweries nationwide.
The legislation that regulates such taxes has not been updated since 1976.
