house resolution no.139

Reps. Farrington, Tyrone Carter, Ellison, Garza, Haadsma, Morse, Sneller, Weiss and Witwer offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare July 2021 as Michigan Beer Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Michigan breweries are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan   s entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing more than 21,000 full time jobs; and

Whereas, Our state has breweries in every region of the state with almost 400 statewide; and

Whereas, Michigan currently ranks sixth in the nation for the overall number of breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs; and

Whereas, The Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates locally-made beer by hosting its Summer Beer Festival in July, one of five annual events held around the state; and

Whereas, Brewers in Michigan support state agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables grown in Michigan, along with water sourced from the Great Lakes Region; and

Whereas, Michigan brewers promote a spirit of independence through a renaissance in locally-produced beers like those first brought to the state by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry; and

Whereas, Striving to educate legal drinking age residents, Michigan brewers convey awareness about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; and

Whereas, Michigan brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking; and

Whereas, Breweries in Michigan produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many states, contributing to the balanced trade with increased Michigan exports and promoting Michigan tourism; and

Whereas, The brewing industry in Michigan has seen great growth and success, and contribute more than $914 million in labor income with a total economic contribution of more than $2.5 billion, thriving and expanding to further their economic importance to the state; and

Whereas, Michigan brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs. They are contributors to the local tax base and are committed partners for a broad range of local, regional, and state non-profit organizations and other philanthropic causes; and

Whereas, The Michigan Brewers Guild is a passionate beer community that believes in quality artisanship, bold character, fun, responsibility and pushing the boundaries while promoting and protecting the Michigan beer industry with an overarching goal to help locally brewed beer attain 20 percent of all beer sales in the state by 2025; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representative, That the members of this legislative body declare July 2021 as Michigan Beer Month in the state of Michigan. We recognize the contributions that Michigan craft brewers and breweries have made to the state   s communities, economy, and history; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend Michigan breweries for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the history and culture of beer while promoting the responsible consumption of beer as a beverage of moderation.