State Auditor Julie Blaha Joins Fiscal Stewards Industry Leaders to Warn Trump Administration Tariffs Are Crushing America's Wine and Craft Beer Industries - September 16, 2026

Contact: Nadine Kottom-Dale | 612-391-7000

State Auditor Julie Blaha Joins Fiscal Stewards Industry Leaders to Warn Trump Administration Tariffs Are Crushing America's Wine and Craft Beer Industries

“Whether it’s a manufacturer, a local retailer or a municipal liquor store, these unnecessary tariffs are creating real challenges for Minnesota industries and businesses,” said State Auditor Julie Blaha.

ST. PAUL, Minn.  – On Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. CST, Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha will join Massachusetts State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, industry leaders and For the Long Term for a press call [RSVP HERE]. The call will focus on how the Trump administration's tariffs on aluminum, glass and agricultural inputs are squeezing America's wine and craft beer industries, and threatening the state tax revenue tied to them.

As harvest season begins, wine and craft beer producers are grappling with soaring costs for materials driven by the administration's tariffs. In states where these industries are major economic drivers, that puts jobs, businesses and tourism revenue at risk. State fiscal stewards on the call will detail what these tariffs mean for their states' revenue and call on the Trump administration to address the damage.

What:

State Fiscal Stewards Warn Trump Administration Tariffs Are Crushing America's Wine and Craft Beer Industries

Who:

·        Julie Blaha, Minnesota State Auditor

·        Deborah B. Goldberg, Massachusetts State Treasurer

·        Ben Castagnetti, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Inc.

·        Chris Conrad, President of the Martignetti Companies

·        Scott Allen, VP General Manager of MS Walker Companies

·        Stephen Miller, President of the Wine and Spirt Wholesalers of Massachusetts

·        Dave Wallack, Executive Director of For the Long Term

When:

Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. CST

RSVP:

To attend the press call, RSVP by clicking HERE.

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