MADISON, Wis. -- Supporters are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to raise the tax on beer to pay for programs that will fight the state's alarming rates of problem drinking.

During a hearing Tuesday of an Assembly committee, supporters said the extra money was badly needed to pay for more alcohol treatment programs and law enforcement efforts to fight drunken driving.

State Rep. Terese Berceau put three pennies on the table in front of her, saying that's how much her plan would increase taxes on a 12-ounce bottle of beer. The Madison Democrat said lawmakers need to find the guts to raise the unpopular tax.

But representatives of the state's powerful brewing industry told lawmakers the tax would translate to higher costs for consumers and hurt their industry.

The proposed tax would increase from $2 per 31-gallon barrel to $10. Drinkers would pay slightly more than 2 cents extra per 12-ounce bottle.

The money would be used for programs to reduce alcohol-related crimes and provide substance abuse treatment.