[johnny_mo]

If you are a beer enthusiast and/or homebrewer in the state of Nebraska, please continue reading. If not, please do not contact the legislative of Nebraska.


Dear Nebraska Homebrewers,

Your immediate action is needed now to ensure passage of Legislative Bill 235 (LB 235), a bill that will allow homebrewer organizations to host homebrew events in the state of Nebraska like the Nebraska State Fair homebrew competitions, the AHA Homebrew Con, and charity events.

PDF of LB 235: https://bit.ly/2sU6NQO

How Can You Help?
1.   Submit the below written comment template on the proposed legislation to Senator Tom Briese (tbriese@leg.ne.gov) by 5 pm, February 1, 2019.
2.   Attend the public hearing at 1:30 pm in the State Capitol Building, Room 1510, on February 4, 2019 in Lincoln.

Instructions: All written comments should be addressed to Senator Tom Briese. Written comments should be typed in a separate document attached to your email. Make sure to mention in your email the attached letter of support for LB 235 to be admitted on record.


Dear Senator Tom Briese, chairman of General Affairs Committee

I am writing to urge the members of the General Affairs Committee to pass Legislative Bill 235, the Homebrew Bill.

Legislative Bill 235 is a fair bill that would bring Nebraska law in line with many other states' laws as well as federal law. The bill allows homebrewers to enter homebrew competitions, judged by trained beer judges, to get feedback on the beverages they make and thus help them improve their craft. Allowing homebrew to be served at festivals and exhibitions will help Nebraska's homebrewers share their hobby with others and introduce new people to the hobby, thus maintain a homebrewing tradition that dates to America's colonial days.

Nebraska's economy will benefit from passage of LB 235. The majority of the more than 7,000 breweries now operating in the United States, including 47 in Nebraska, were founded by homebrewers. Homebrewers purchase ingredients and equipment from local homebrew supply shops, including five in Nebraska. A vibrant homebrewing community fosters the growth of locally owned businesses, which contribute jobs and tax revenue to Nebraska's economy.

There are 28 homebrew clubs in Nebraska, many of which organize competitions, including the Nebraska State Fair Beer and Wine Competitions. These competitions generate local economic growth through hotel reservations, meals, catering, transportation, etc. Homebrewers and homebrew clubs love to responsibly share their creations and knowledge with communities. Festivals, charity events, and contests are a great place to exercise this passion that supports local businesses in Nebraska.

I strongly urge you to pass LB 235. It is the right thing to do for Nebraska's homebrewers and will prove beneficial to Nebraska's economy as well.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Email]


Thank you for your attention to this action alert and support of homebrewing.

Gary Glass
AHA Director
Gary@brewersassociation.org

John Moorhead
AHA Competition Coordinator
John@brewersassociation.org