Here’s a shot to the beer gut: Government bodies across America are looking to increase taxes on beer.

According to ABC News, states from Connecticut to Arkansas have been “eyeing higher taxes on cigarettes and booze” to make up for budget shortfalls caused by the recession.

Now, I’m not against paying taxes to fund government programs.

I like driving around on the wide-open highways that my tax contributions helped build.

I’m grateful for the government-backed loans that got me through my beer-slugging days at Penn State (to paraphrase comedian Frank Nicotero, I graduated with a 1.2 ... blood-alcohol level).

I’m happy for the government agencies that protect our country, track down criminals across state lines and make sure our food and water are safe.

But higher taxes on beer?

Why not increase taxes on hot dogs and apple pie while we’re at it?

Congress cracked open this Pandora’s can in 1991 — when it doubled the federal beer tax to $18 a barrel.

Many states have long been on the beer wagon.

In 1936, Pennsylvania levied a “temporary” 10-percent alcohol tax to relieve victims of that year’s Johnstown flood.

Flood victims still aren’t relieved: Not only is the tax still in effect, it has been increased to 18 percent.

At the local level, many cities and counties are looking to raise beer taxes, too.

I take such taxes personally.

My great-grandmother took the edge off Prohibition by installing a distillery in her basement and making beer in her bath tub.