Kirk Pushes Tax Break For Craft Breweries

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

U.S. Sen. Mark S. Kirk (R-Ill.) wants to give a tax break to craft breweries.

Kirk says he supports the Small BREW (Brewer Reinvestment and Expanding Workforce) Act, which would reduce the taxes paid by brewers on their first 2 million barrels of beer, and halve the taxes due on the first 60,000.

Kirk took a tour of Revolution Brewing in Chicago before announcing his support, and he believes it and other beer makers in the state would grow thanks to this legislation:

“With 67 separate brewers (in Illinois), this would really sponsor more jobs in Illinois, and make sure that craft brewers like Revolution have a big shot at boosting employment,” Kirk said.

Kirk says the tax cut would cost the federal government $16.3 million in its first year, but he claims it would generate $183 million in economic activity in that same time.