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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

NEWS RELEASE - BAUCUS, GRASSLEY RELEASE POLICY OPTIONS FOR FINANCING COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM
May 18, 2009

Options are the final of three papers in Finance leaders’ health reform effort

Washington, DC – Washington, DC ‐ Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D‐Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R‐Iowa) today released policy options for financing reform of America's health care system. The options released today are the third and final round of policy options for discussion before the Finance Committee marks up legislation in June.


. . . . . Increase Taxes on Alcoholic Beverages – Current law imposes an excise tax on alcoholic beverages,charging $13.50 per proof gallon, which translates to about 21 cents per ounce of alcohol. Because of this measurement, the excise tax treats different types of alcohol differently. Beer is measured by the barrel and the tax rate per barrel is $18 or about 10 cents per ounce of alcohol. The current tax on wine is $1.07 per gallon or about 8 cents per ounce of alcohol. The policies present the option of
standardizing the tax on alcohol and increase the excise tax to $16 per proof gallon. . . . . .

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