Spotlight Shines on Beer Tax Proposal

Lawmakers who want to hike alcohol taxes to fund substance abuse programs expect to hear from all sides on the topic at an afternoon public hearing, The Associated Press and others report.

The House Health and Human Resources Committee is weighing opinion on the first of several hoped-for bills on the subject, this one increasing beer taxes.

That hike would add three cents to the price of each 12-ounce bottle or can, AP reports. "Supporters say the measure would raise $20 million in revenue, which they want to spend on substance abuse prevention and treatment programs," the article said. "Opponents, including distributors and wholesalers, say the increase would drive West Virginia beer drinkers to other states."

The Charleston Gazette also sets the stage for the House Chamber hearing. So does MetroNews, which previously aired arguments against the tax proposal from the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association. With audio.