According to the Hamilton JournalNews (June 3), the Ohio Senate Republicans added a provision to the substitute budget bill to raise the alcohol content in beer from 12 to 18 percent. This is a move to help micro-brewers stay within the legal limits with their beers. In 2002 the maximum was raised from 6 to 12 percent for the same reason and the major breweries also raised the alcohol content in their beers.

We who live in Oxford are very aware of the use and often misuse of alcohol.

The numbers of sick and potentially dying young people is already distressing. With a raise of 6 percent, the threats to them grow. The threat of more driving impaired grows with its higher potential danger to us all.

I strongly oppose the attempt to change the alcohol content for at least two reasons.

• It has serious health risks.

• It doesn’t belong in a budget bill, but needs to be considered on its own merits with adequate discussion and input from other than the beer makers.

It is time to contact our senator and representative.

Alice Laatsch

Oxford