HOUSE BILL 4842 – 10 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Almost 10 years ago, former Michigan State Senator John Proos and Journeyman Distillery founder Bill Welter started work on what would become House Bill 4842, which Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law earlier this week.

The bill will provide additional financial support to craft distilleries and grain farmers while also narrowing the tax disparity between Michigan and neighboring states. This is significant for Journeyman because we both produce our own spirits and source the grains necessary for the distilling process from our 50-acre farm in Three Oaks, as well as farms across Michigan.

“Thank you to Jon O’Connor, President of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association, and to the Association itself for the heavy lifting that was required to carry the bill through the last miles for approval. It’s certainly reason to have a toast with your favorite Michigan distilled spirit.”
– Bill Welter

Official Statement from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Whitmer Signs Bill Helping Michigan Distilleries

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4842 into law, which cuts costs for small Michigan distilleries and supports Michigan grain farmers. House Bill 4842 assists Michigan’s growing craft distillery industry by lowering mark up costs associated with the purchase of Michigan grain, increasing the number of bottles distillers can produce while saving them and their customers money.