This new bipartisan bill wants to make your booze cheaper

As always, alcohol is playing a crucial part in bridging gaps between people — this time between House representatives on opposing sides of the aisle. A bill introduced to the lower chamber by Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.), which proposes cutting the excise tax on certain spirits, is being co-sponsored by Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.). It's likely the two came together on the issue over the prominence of distilleries in their home states. (You may have heard of Kentucky's bourbon industry.)

The bill, known officially as the Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act, targets the high excise tax rate — taxes imposed on the purchase of specific goods that are often built into the price of that good — on distilled spirits. The Hill reports the legislation would cut the current rate from $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 10,000 gallons produced by each distiller. After the first 10,000 gallons, distillers would be subject to a $9 per proof gallon tax.

"All around southern Indiana, many new craft distilleries are popping up, creating jobs and adding to the tax base," Rep. Young said. "But there's a lot of red tape involved in getting a new distillery off the ground and this bill helps reduce that burden."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Bipartisanship, more jobs, and cheaper booze? We'll drink to that.