Liquid Assets? Industry Raised The Bar to Resist Alcohol Taxes


 

Publication Date: May 2009

Publisher: National Institute on Money in State Politics (U.S.)

Author(s): Peter Quist

Research Area: Banking and finance; Politics

Type: Report

Abstract:

How are states coping with the budget woes prevalent today? A common solution has been to raise taxes to help cover the shortfalls. Frequently, some of the first taxes to face a potential increase involve so-called "sin taxes." The current recession is proving to be no exception to this trend -- many states around the country are considering plans to raise taxes on alcohol to help balance their budgets. Businesses in the alcohol trade are responding with familiar "old school" tactics, contributing millions of dollars to state political campaigns all over the country.