Aims

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.

___________________________________________

Friday, November 7, 2008

Press Release - Nickel a Drink to Save State Budgets
Marin Institute Calls on States with Budget Shortfalls to Follow California in Proposing an Alcohol Tax Increase
Long Overdue Tax Increases Could Ease Budget Deficits in 39 States and Mitigate Alcohol-Related Costs
SAN RAFAEL, CA (November 7, 2008) – Public health advocates are calling on policymakers around the nation to follow the lead of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to help fund ailing state budgets through higher alcohol taxes. On Thursday, Governor Schwarzenegger proposed a nickel a drink tax increase on beer, wine, and distilled spirits to help reduce California’s budget shortfall, while providing critical support to the state’s programs that reduce alcohol-related problems.

At least 38 other states also face serious budget deficits, totaling more than $60 billion dollars, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “A nickel a drink -- It’s the change we need to fix budgets around the nation,” said Bruce Lee Livingston, executive director of Marin Institute, the California-based alcohol industry watchdog. “The largest states, such as New York and Florida can avoid cutting essential programs through long-overdue alcohol tax increases,” Livingston added. California’s proposal accomplishes exactly that.
. . . . . .

Read Full Release
_______________________________________________________________
at