Nebraska lawmakers consider increasing beer tax

LINCOLN (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker said alcohol problems in Whiteclay inspired him to propose a bill Monday that would increase a beer excise tax by 5 cents per gallon.

The increase would generate about $2.3 million over each of the next two years, Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis told the Legislature’s General Affairs Committee. The panel took no action on the bill.

The money would be split evenly between the State Patrol Cash Fund and county law enforcement agencies. Davis said the money would allow law enforcement agencies to hire workers to combat alcohol-related crimes. Counties would be given th...