From Capitol Hill to Colorado: Building Momentum for Cider

March was a busy and productive month for cider advocacy, spanning both federal conversations in Washington, D.C., and critical state-level wins in Colorado.

On the Hill: Laying the Groundwork for What Comes Next
Over the course of a week on Capitol Hill this past month, Jenn had the opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. Apple Association during their annual Hill Lobby Day. Assigned to the Ohio delegation, we supported apple growers and cider makers in advancing their priorities including: economic assistance, agricultural labor reform, international trade (with emphasis on support for the USMCA), and the Farm Bill. One cannot have cider without apples and partnerships like this one are critical to not only reinforcing cider’s role within the broader apple and agricultural economy but advocating for the needs of our growers as well. 

In support of the ACA’s advocacy priorities, Jenn met with key congressional champions and co-sponsors of the Bubble Bill from Wisconsin, Oregon, North Carolina, Maine and New York. These conversations focused on sharing updated advocacy priorities and discussing how recent international events have impacted Congressional priorities and reviewing the legislative landscape for the remainder of the 119th Congress. Though virtual communications are necessary for much of the year, there is no substitute for meeting with congressional staff in person. These conversations allow for deeper engagement, and staff genuinely value the time and effort it takes to show up and share our priorities directly.

These meetings are an important part of maintaining momentum, strengthening relationships, and ensuring cider remains part of broader tax and agriculture policy conversations as the session continues. 

State Advocacy in Action: A Major Win in Colorado
While federal progress requires patience, state-level advocacy delivered timely results this past month.

In Colorado, we joined a broad coalition of industry partners to successfully oppose two harmful pieces of legislation—HB26-1271 and HB26-1301—which together would have imposed a staggering 160% tax increase on alcohol producers.

As outlined in coalition testimony, these proposals came at a time when businesses are already facing declining sales, rising costs, and ongoing economic pressure. The bills would have:

• Increased excise taxes by up to 100% (and more through additional “fees”)
• Threatened thousands of jobs across brewing, distilling, winemaking, and cider production
• Placed additional strain on small, locally rooted businesses already operating on thin margins

The cider industry stood alongside partners across beverage alcohol to make the case clearly: now is not the time to raise taxes on an industry that supports jobs, local economies, and community identity.

Thanks to coordinated advocacy, strong coalition alignment, and clear economic messaging, both bills were defeated in committee.

Looking Ahead
These efforts, both in Washington and in Colorado, underscore the importance of sustained, strategic advocacy. Whether we are playing the long game at the federal level or responding quickly to threats in the states, the goal remains the same: to create a fair and supportive environment for cider producers to grow and thrive.

We’ll have more opportunities for engagement in the months ahead, particularly as we build support for our unified federal bill. Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and support this work.

In the coming months, we will be expanding our resources to better support state-level advocacy efforts. If you are facing legislative challenges in your state, please reach out to Jenn Root Martell at jenn@ciderassociation.org.