Statement From Senator Liz Krueger On Senate Passage Of The Marijuana Regulation And Taxation Act

Albany - State Senator Liz Krueger released the following statement today following Senate passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (S.854-A):
 
“Today is an historic day for New Yorkers. I could not be more proud to cast my vote to end the failed policies of marijuana prohibition in our state, and begin the process of building a fair and inclusive legal market for adult-use cannabis. It has been a long road to get here, but it will be worth the wait. The bill we have held out for will create a nation-leading model for legalization.

"New York's program will not just talk the talk on racial justice, it will walk the walk: ending the racially disparate enforcement that was endemic to prohibition, automatically expunging the records of those who were caught up in the so-called "War on Drugs," and channeling 40% of the revenue back into the most hard-hit communities. It also puts 20% of the revenue into drug treatment and education, and 40% into our public schools. Not to mention building a multi-billion dollar industry for New York that encourages small businesses and farms while balancing safety with economic growth.

"We would not be here today without the dedicated work of Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and countless advocates and activists like the Drug Policy Alliance and many others. I thank Senator Stewart-Cousins for her leadership that helps to make historic progressive action like this a reality, and I thank my colleagues for their support of this legislation."

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