Rep. Kuster with Jeff Cozzens at Schillings in June 2018.

A high resolution version of this photo is available here.

Hopkinton, NH - Today, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable discussion with professionals in the brewing industry to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on small breweries in New Hampshire, as well as legislative priorities for the brewing industry. Last month, Kuster cosponsored and voted in favor of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which strengthens the original Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by extending the loan forgiveness period from 8 weeks to 24 weeks. This legislation enables more small businesses, including breweries, to take advantage of the program. 

Kuster is a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019 – bipartisan legislation that would prevent a dramatic tax increase for small breweries by making permanent the tax rate of $3.50 per barrel for the first 60,000 barrels for breweries that produce less than $2 million in barrels per year.

“Small businesses across the country are grappling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the brewing industry in New Hampshire faces unique challenges with the closure of restaurants and limitations on capacity,” said Kuster. “In the Granite State, breweries play an important role in our communities and our economy. Thank you to Schilling Beer Company and the NH Brewers Association for joining me today. These conversations are important as I continue working to ensure that Main Street and our local small businesses can bounce back after this health crisis subsides.”

During the discussion, Kuster heard from:

• Jeff Cozzens, CEO of Schilling Beer Company
• Jennifer “CJ” Haines, Executive Director of the NH Brewers Association
• Sarah Bryan, NH Brewers Association 

Watch the discussion here. 

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