2023 Senate Resolution 66

Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of our entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing full time employment for more than 16,000 jobs; and

Whereas, Our state has craft breweries in every region and more than 400 craft brewers statewide; and

Whereas, Every July, The Michigan Brewers Guild celebrates locally made beer by hosting a Summer Festival, one of five annual events; 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; and

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

Whereas, Craft brewers support our state’s agriculture by purchasing hops, malted barley, wheat, beet sugar, cherries, apples, and numerous other fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables grown here, along with water sourced from the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, Michigan craft brewers promote a spirit of independence through a renaissance in handcrafted beers like those first brought to our 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 craft 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 craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking; and

Whereas, Craft brewers in our state produce dozens of distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many, while also contributing to balanced trade with both the increase of state exports and the promotion of our state’s tourism; and

Whereas, The brewing industry in Michigan has seen growth and success, with a total economic contribution of more than $2.2 billion; and

Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers provide a diverse array of quality local jobs. In addition, brewers are contributors to the local tax base, and are committed partners for a broad range of local, regional, and state nonprofit organizations and other philanthropic causes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body designate July 2023 as Craft Beer Month and recognize the contributions that Michigan craft brewers have made to our state’s communities, economy, and history; and be it further

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