Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has passed budget legislation proposed by the governor that relies on revenue that would be generated from recreational marijuana sales, which have not yet been legalized in the state.
The Democratic-controlled House voted 107-94 on Tuesday to approve the spending plan from Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) who earlier this year included cannabis legalization and the resulting expected revenue in his budget request. The vote was largely along party lines, though five GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in supporting the bill.
The $53.2 billion budget legislation, which doesn’t itself include provisions to actually legalize marijuana even as it contemplates allocating money that would result from it, now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“This legislation reflects the proposal put forward by Governor Shapiro in February and builds on the work we have diligently done,” House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris (D) said. “This budget continues our investment in public education, support for law enforcement, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy, all while returning money to working families and not raising taxes.”
The Senate’s Republican majority leadership has continually criticized cannabis legalization, including a bill that the House passed last year that would put marijuana sales in state-owned stores.
Senate President
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
