Alert Labs Blog - policy

Increase Michigan Taxes on Beer

posted on Apr 15th 2009 at 12:00pm by Dr. Harper

Michigan beer taxes have not been increased for over forty years. No other product has been able to maintain its 1966 tax rate for the past 40 years. 

Citizens of our state pay, out of their income and other taxes, 90% of the costs of health care needs created by alcohol use.  Beer taxes should be raised to cover more of the health costs and to support treatment for problems drinkers.

The following states are considering raising alcohol taxes for the same reasons that should motivate Michigan:

California, New York, and Massachusetts, New York State Association of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Providers, North Carolina, New Jersey, Idaho, Maryland, Kentucky, Oregon Partnership. 

Call, Fax or Email Governor Granholm:  http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995---,00.html; PHONE: (517) 373-3400, PHONE: (517) 335-7858 - Constituent Services; FAX:(517) 335-6863.

Case for Beer Tax Increases

Increase National Alcohol Tax

posted on Mar 1st 2009 at 12:00pm by Welsh

Nearly three-fourths (71%) of U.S. residents support an increase in the national tax on alcohol of five cents per drink, according to the results of a nationally representative telephone survey. Read more here.

How Does Michigan Measure Up?

posted on Nov 12th 2008 at 12:00pm by Welsh

A panel led by former Governor Mike Dukakis (D. Massachusetts) and State Representative Pat George (R. Kansas) has created a Blueprint that state governments need to follow to develop effective alcohol and drug policies that will save lives, restore families and reduce crime.

Read MI-specific data on key measures of the six recommendations outlined in the Blueprint for the States report.

ALERT Labs' position paper on AOD Resources as recommended in the Blueprint for the States.