Wine Tax Proposed For Illinois
Illinois has been falling behind in financial support for the state’s wine industry as the Land of Lincoln’s financial situation deteriorates. Now the Alton Daily News reports that State Rep. Mike Bost from Southern Illinois is proposing a two-cent per gallon tax to help support the Illinois Wine Industry. Neighboring states Missouri, Michigan and Indiana all have wine taxes to help promote winemaking and grape growing within their borders.
See: http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=71453#.UVyZ_6uY6kQ
Great idea. I live in Illinois and am all for it!
Most people would like to see Illinois develop a more diversified agricultural economy. However, the big distributors have traditionally fought the Illinois wine industry and this bill will probably never get to the floor for a vote. The distributors have the money and influence. That’s how things work (or don’t work) in Illinois.