Beer Tax Increase Would Pay For Substance Abuse Programs

Increases in state taxes on beer and alcohol are once again on the agenda in Charleston, as well as an attempt to write the West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being into state law.

WBOY-TV in Charleston reported Thursday that lawmakers are targeting a rise in taxes on beer by at least 2 cents a can as a way to pay for substance abuse programs. That's the idea of House Health and Human Resources Committee chairman Don Perdue, D-Wayne. Another proposal, by Sen. Dan Foster would increase cigarette and tobacco taxes to force people to quit, WBOY-TV said.

Putting the WV Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being into law could help the six-year-old organization receive more funding, WBOY-TV said.

These and other moves by lawmakers and Gov. Joe Manchin are taking place against a worsening financial picture for the State of West Virginia. Manchin's proposed budget already cuts 5% due to the economic climate; there were already $197 million in cuts that had already been announced.

In his State of the State Address on Wednesday night, Manchin said West Virginia would continue its fight against drug abuse. He said that he had made it a priority to give additional funding and resources.

"We are seeing results," he told lawmakers in Charleston.

More information about Manchin's State of the State address, and responses from lawmakers, can be found here. The text of the speech is here.