Industry leaders say legalizing pot critical to stop black-market sales
by: Giuliana Bruno
ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) — Cannabis industry leaders says that legalizing cannabis in New York is a critical step in eliminating the black market, but some legislators are still not convinced.
Governor Cuomo has announced his plan to legalize recreational marijuana in New York State, and he says the industry will eventually lead to the creation of 60,000 new jobs and $3.5 billion in economic activity.
"You're going to unleash an incredible amount of demand into the market. It's a precedent that's been seen in many, many other states," said Dennis O'Neill, President of BIOMEDICAN, a biotech startup company that produces rare cannabinoids.
O'Neill has watched recreational marijuana use become legal in other states, and feels it's a critical step to stop fueling black markets that sell marijuana products. This way, they can be taxed, and ultimately safer to use.
"You can start regulating the quality and efficacy of the actual product that's being consumed," O'Neill said.
State of the State: Comprehensive guide to the Governor's 2021 plan for New York
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec is against the governor's plan. Among his concerns are suspicions of the actual financial upside it would have for the state, and the message it will send to younger generations.
"How do we scientifically test individuals for impairment while driving? Why has the state led an assault on tobacco just to pivot and support smoking marijuana," Brabenec wrote in a statement.
While the state says that legalizing recreational marijuana will bring in a lot of tax revenue, they also say it'll take years to fully implement.
More State Legislature Stories
Schumer, Gillibrand deliver $1.4B for NY colleges, universities as part of COVID relief package
WASHINGTON, (WTEN) - Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced an additional $1.4 billion in federal funding for New York state's private, public, and proprietary institutions of higher education. This money is allocated to the U.S. Department of Education's (DOE) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).
The funding is in addition to federal funding already allocated from the CARES Act in March.
New legislation would cap third-party delivery service fees across New York State
by Atyia Collins / Jan 20, 2021
ALBANY, N.Y. (WROC) — Restaurants are still struggling under strict COVID-19 restrictions, leaving many on the brink of bankruptcy. A state senator from Rochester is attempting to help, introducing a bill that would help restaurants keep more of their profits when using third-party delivery services.
Hospitality employees like Lakeyva Catala have been out of work for weeks, some months.
Breaking down Gov. Cuomo's 2022 executive budget
by Sarah Darmanjian / Jan 19, 2021
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR)- New York is looking at a $15 billion budget gap from COVID-19 related expenses including a loss in sales tax revenue. On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo addressed the executive budget for the 2022 fiscal year, saying, "If Washington doesn't provide New York State with our fair share of funding, we're going to pursue litigation."
Cuomo said his administration created two budgets. In one, New York receives $15 billion in federal aid, and in the other, just $6 billion. He also said whereas last year the discussion surrounded the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the discussion would be around "economic reconciliation."
Phase 1B vaccination explained: How to book an appointment and what's the hold-up?