Beer Institute Names Representative Ken Buck as 2022 Beer Champion
WASHINGTON – The Beer Institute announced U.S. Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) as one of its “2022 Beer Champions.” Rep. Buck was recognized for his leadership in championing policies that bring clarity to the aluminum pricing process and helping secure permanent excise tax relief for brewers.
“A sincere thank you to Rep. Buck and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing,” said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. “The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Rep. Buck has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise taxes and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry.”
“Beer in Colorado goes back to mining camps and the gold rush of the late 1850s,” said Rep. Buck. “Prohibition nearly killed it, and it goes to show how bad government policy can stop an entire industry in its tracks. We’ve had a lot of that going around lately, and I’m pleased to have partnered with the Beer Institute to fight off some of the worst policies and advance sensible ones.”
In Colorado, the beer industry supports more than 58,000 jobs and provides $11.4 billion annually in economic output. In Colorado’s fourth congressional district, the beer industry supports more than 8,400 jobs and provides $410 million in economic output.
Rep. Buck joined Rep. Al Lawson (D-FL) in introducing the Aluminum Pricing Examination (APEX) Act which would allow for more oversight into the aluminum market, providing transparency and stability brewers need to run their businesses. Rep. Buck also cosponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to America’s brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create America’s favorite beers.
The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industry’s impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com.
Other 2022 Beer Champions include:
- Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
- Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
- Senator John Hoeven (R-ND)
- Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
- Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
- Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL)
- Representative Al Lawson (D-FL)
