Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Beacon Hill leaders have abruptly canceled tomorrow's anticipated vote to revamp the state's legalized marijuana law amid what House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo called "procedural" issues and unspecified concerns over the bill's language.
The bill faced blistering criticism from legalized pot advocates and state Sen. Pat Jehlen, co-chair of the committee that produced it, particularly over the proposed tax rate, though DeLeo said he still believes the overall bill is "terrific."
"I think it's important with a bill of this magnitude that we try to get it right or as close to right the first time. I'd rather do that than try to rush it through," DeLeo said, adding that he expects the bill to emerge again soon. "It won't be any later than next week."
The proposed 28 percent tax rate -- more than doubling what voters approved in November -- will likely remain a leading issue as the bill works its way to Gov. Charlie Baker, presumably by July 1.
Baker, who campaigned on fiscal constraint and a no-new-tax pledge, indicated he's open to adjusting the tax rate on recreational weed, which was set at 12 percent by a ballot question passed last year. But he said it's "not clear either" whether that figure is enough to cover the state's cost to oversee the new industry after it begins sprouting shops, perhaps as early as July 2018.
The omnibus bill's 28 percent rate includes a 16.75 percent excise tax and a 5 percent local tax on top of the state's regular 6.25 percent sales tax. Proponents of legalized pot say the high tax could fuel a black market of illegal pot sales.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Beacon Hill pot bill vote delayed | Boston Herald
Author: Matt Stout
Contact: Contact Us | Boston Herald
Photo Credit: Maui Grown Therapies
Website: Boston Herald | Boston Herald
The bill faced blistering criticism from legalized pot advocates and state Sen. Pat Jehlen, co-chair of the committee that produced it, particularly over the proposed tax rate, though DeLeo said he still believes the overall bill is "terrific."
"I think it's important with a bill of this magnitude that we try to get it right or as close to right the first time. I'd rather do that than try to rush it through," DeLeo said, adding that he expects the bill to emerge again soon. "It won't be any later than next week."
The proposed 28 percent tax rate -- more than doubling what voters approved in November -- will likely remain a leading issue as the bill works its way to Gov. Charlie Baker, presumably by July 1.
Baker, who campaigned on fiscal constraint and a no-new-tax pledge, indicated he's open to adjusting the tax rate on recreational weed, which was set at 12 percent by a ballot question passed last year. But he said it's "not clear either" whether that figure is enough to cover the state's cost to oversee the new industry after it begins sprouting shops, perhaps as early as July 2018.
The omnibus bill's 28 percent rate includes a 16.75 percent excise tax and a 5 percent local tax on top of the state's regular 6.25 percent sales tax. Proponents of legalized pot say the high tax could fuel a black market of illegal pot sales.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Beacon Hill pot bill vote delayed | Boston Herald
Author: Matt Stout
Contact: Contact Us | Boston Herald
Photo Credit: Maui Grown Therapies
Website: Boston Herald | Boston Herald
