A new study shows America’s beer industry has a major impact on the Indiana economy. The Beer Saves America study, commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, says the beer industry contributes $5.5 billion to the state’s economy annually and supports nearly 36,000 jobs throughout the state. According to the study, the jobs impacted by the industry account for $1.5 billion each year in wages and benefits. The industry is broken down to three categories: brewers and importers, independent beer distributors, and licensed retailers. The study says the industry generates $680 million in business, personal, and consumption taxes each year.