As you know, I am a fan of adult beverages. (I’m drinking brandy as I write this.)

Also as you know, I am not a fan of the totally unnecessary state budget goodie that is supposed to help MillerCoors at the expense of Anheuser–Busch, but will instead hurt craft brewers.

I am happy to read that (according to the Wisconsin State Journal’s Beer Baron, several Republicans, including Sens. Glenn Grothman (R–West Bend) and Pam Galloway (R–Wausau) and Rep. Steve Nass (R–Whitewater) have contacted Gov. Scott Walker and asked him to veto the provision of the state budget that bans breweries from owning beer distributorships. I am not happy to see that Sen. Luther Olsen (R–Ripon) voted for the provision on the Joint Finance Committee, although Olsen had company.

A Capital Times story about the budget provision quotes Marc Buttera of O’So Brewery in Plover, who would be banned from selling his own beer at his on-site store. That is ridiculous and a good reason by itself for a gubernatorial veto.

In addition to the other reasons to oppose this — namely that it is wrong for government to take sides to promote one business at the expense of its competition, no matter which party’s idea it is — this item, which has zero fiscal impact on state government, does not belong in the state budget. I’ve written repeatedly over the years that policy matters that do  not have state fiscal impact should be debated as separate bills, not thrown into the state budget. If it’s wrong for Democrats to do it, it’s wrong for Republicans to do it too.

Walker’s office can be contacted at 608-266-1212 or govgeneral@wisconsin.gov. My suggestion would be to keep your comments about the beer provision, and not throw in other budget thoughts (this means you, Da Union).